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News from August 2024
Regional jet interiors often lack distinctiveness, with aircraft frequently rotating among major U.S. airlines, typically undergoing minimal reupholstery and repainting.
Intelsat reports significant growth in its backlog for multi-orbit inflight connectivity (IFC) solutions, despite the high-profile presence of SpaceX’s Starlink Low Earth Orbit (LEO) satellite communication system. According to Dave Bijur, Intelsat's head of commercial aviation, "We have more orders than Starlink does," adding that they believe they have secured more orders than any other provider over the past year.
Air New Zealand has introduced enhancements to its Airpoints program, marking the first of several planned improvements. The announcement was made by Nikhil Ravishankar, the airline's Chief Digital Officer.
JetBlue stock plunged over 20% on Monday as the company sought to raise $3 billion in fresh capital. Of this amount, $2.75 billion will be backed by its TrueBlue program, primarily derived from expected future earnings through its credit card partnership. Additionally, JetBlue is raising $400 million in senior secured notes due in 2029, some of which will be used to pay down existing debt.
Celebrating its 18th anniversary, India's largest airline, IndiGo, has announced the launch of its first premium product and a frequent flier program. Traditionally a no-frills operator, IndiGo is now shifting towards a hybrid business model.
We've made good progress on migrating to our new platform and most features are operational. The exception is comments, which we hope to have working by August 12. Since we can't enable comments yet, we haven't published the new blog on fuel that we've been developing all week. Additionally, we are still figuring out how to run the Question of the Week in the new system. We appreciate your patience as we work through these issues.
Hawaiian Airlines' Plumeria Lounge, designated for international business class customers and Priority Pass members, has sparked discussions online due to long lines of patrons waiting to enter. This lounge is considered superior to the Premier Lounge, which serves domestic first-class passengers.
After former President Donald Trump lost the 2020 election, he no longer had access to Air Force One, and his private Boeing 757 fell into disrepair. Observers noted that his readiness to run again could be gauged by the status of this aircraft, known for its gold-plated fittings.
JetBlue is currently offering a significant opportunity for travelers interested in transatlantic flights. Due to challenges with its transatlantic routes, the airline has made business class award space widely available on several flights. This availability extends from now until the end of spring and includes options for at least two passengers per booking.
Emirates has introduced its refurbished Boeing 777 business class seats, which closely resemble the staggered product the airline has been using for two decades on its Airbus A380s. The first of approximately 80 previous-generation 777s that Emirates is updating is now operational on the Geneva route, with plans to deploy refurbished planes to Tokyo Haneda and Brussels initially.
Qatar Airways is renowned for its exceptional business class offerings, including the innovative QSuites, high-quality food and amenities, and commendable service. The airline was a pioneer in introducing doors on business class suites, allowing configurations such as double beds or family rooms by adjusting seat walls.
Last week’s stock market plunge has been attributed to a combination of factors, including the Bank of Japan's modest rise in interest rates and fears of an impending US recession. However, a significant influence on the crisis was a seasonal workplace quirk: summer holidays.
Airbus is advancing its vision for sustainable aviation through nature-inspired innovation and bionic design, as part of its Airspace Cabin Vision 2035+ project. The company aims to reduce cabin structural and lining element weight by up to 40% using biomimicry principles.
Singapore Airlines has announced the termination of its Houston-Manchester route, effective April 1, 2025, citing consistently low passenger loads as a primary reason for the decision. The airline had initially launched service to Houston in summer 2008 with a one-stop flight via Moscow Domodedovo Airport to Singapore. In October 2016, this route was altered to operate via Manchester, U.K.
American Airlines has reached an agreement with its flight attendants union on a new contract, which includes immediate raises of 18% to 20%, full retroactive pay, and boarding pay that the union states averages to an 8.5% raise.
An ATR 72 regional airliner crashed in a residential area approximately 50 miles north of Sao Paulo, Brazil, on Friday. The incident resulted in the deaths of all 58 passengers and four crew members aboard. The flight was operated by Voepass Linhas Aereas and was reportedly inbound for landing at Sao Paulo when the crew ceased responding to air traffic control at around 17,000 feet.
Delta Air Lines is now expanding its installation of Viasat’s high-capacity Ka-band geostationary (GEO) satellite-supported inflight connectivity to widebody aircraft flying long-haul routes, including Airbus A330s, A330neos, and A350s not yet equipped with the system.
News and notes from around the internet:
A fatal Marine Osprey crash in Australia last year has been attributed to human factors rather than the aircraft itself. According to Military.com, a military investigation concluded that "pilot error and complacency" were responsible for the accident, which resulted in the deaths of three Marines, including both pilots and a corporal who died attempting to save them. Cpl. Steven Collart entered the burning flight deck in an effort to rescue Maj. Tobin Lewis and Capt. Eleanor LeBeau.
Qatar Airways has announced the introduction of caviar service in its business class on select routes. This addition will be available "onboard Qatar Airways business class between Doha and Boston, Dallas, Hong Kong, Houston, London, Los Angeles, Melbourne, New York, Paris, Sao Paulo, Singapore, Sydney, and Washington," according to a statement from the airline.