The Boom Supersonic XB-1 engines are installed and running. The company released an update on the flight test program progress, including details on the installation and first test runs of the three General Electric J85 engines on board.
United Airlines
Beyond the beds: Considering the back half of United’s A321XLR
Getting flat beds in business class on United’s upcoming A321XLR fleet would seem to be table stakes for a new aircraft configuration today. That it will be a new product, however, is very interesting. So, too, is what that means vis a vis spacing on board for premium economy and economy class seating.
United Airlines adds free Messaging to in-flight WiFi
United Airlines passengers now have a free, albeit limited, in-flight WiFi option on board. The carrier enabled free messaging services for travelers via its mobile app.
How sideways can you sit?
When it comes to flying, seats generally face forward. There are a few that face backward, typically reserved for premium cabins,. And then there are the sideways seats. Including one that might soon fly even more sideways than before.
United snags Virgin Australia as a partner, displacing Delta
Virgin Australia and United Airlines secured a new partnership for connections between the United States and Australia. The deal, effective from April 2022, sees Delta Air Lines drop from the role it held over the past decade.
United, ZeroAvia see hydrogen-powered regional jets by the end of the decade
United Airlines wants to power some of its regional jets with hydrogen by the end of the decade. The company announced a deal with ZeroAvia to purchase up to 100 of the new zero-emission, 100% hydrogen-electric engines (ZA2000-RJ). The engine could be retrofit to existing United Express aircraft as early as 2028.
United plans five new routes, MAX service transatlantic in 2022
By the time Summer 2022 rolls around United Airlines will serve more transatlantic destinations than ever in its history. The carrier announced five new transatlantic markets this week, plus increased service to another five. The company will also finally launch seven routes waylaid by the pandemic.
Oh, and the 737 MAX will join the oceanic fun.
Net Zero by 2050: IATA’s major commitment and challenges
Last week was, generally speaking, a pretty strong showing for emissions concerns in the aviation world. IATA, the industry’s largest global trade group, passed a resolution targeting net zero emissions across their operations by 2050.
Viasat boosts aviation backlog, lingers over LEO likelihood
Viasat is making a lot of money, even though it cannot add new users to its core satellite offering today. But the company is not shying away from aircraft additions, with hundreds more anticipated over the next couple years.
ExpressJet secures approval for independent re-launch
ExpressJet is back. The carrier secured permission from the US Department of Transportation today to resume operations as a scheduled air carrier, ten months after halting operations as a United Airlines regional feeder.