Lufthansa To Start Regional Airline Next Year

Lufthansa is launching a regional carrier, City Airlines, in 2024 to enhance its short-haul services in Europe and reduce costs. Set to begin operatons in summer 2024, the airline will serve Munich and Frankfurt hubs, offering feeder flights for Lufthansa’s long-haul routes. This move follows criticisms of the costliness of Lufthansa’s CityLine. Both entities will operate simultaneously. Lufthansa will soon recruit staff, with former Germanwings employees possibly being significant applicants. Despite previous labor issues, Lufthansa’s launch coincides with its post-pandemic recovery.

Barron’s | Related Lufthansa’s Latest Subsidiary “City Airlines” Will Begin Flying Next Summer – Simple Flying

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Updated Wi-Fi Part Of Air Canada’s A321 Refresh

Air Canada has introduced upgraded inflight entertainment and connectivity systems on its A321 aircraft. The updated interior features various enhancements, including Bluetooth audio options at all seats, USB and AC power, and access to live television on domestic and transborder routes. Additionally, the A321 now offers passengers the unique feature of two HD exterior cameras for in-flight entertainment. Furthermore, Air Canada has upgraded the on-board internet to Intelsat’s 2Ku solution, which is now available for free on this particular A321 aircraft.

Paxex.Aero | Related Air Canada Unveils Upgraded Airbus A321 – Skift 

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Boeing’s Wisk Aero Steps Up LA Presence With Public Air Taxi Demos

Boeing subsidiary, Wisk Aero, showcased its electric vertical takeoff and landing (eVTOL) aircraft, known as Cora, in a public demonstration in Los Angeles, marking a significant move for electric air taxis. These tests evaluated autonomous flight operations alongside other aircraft at Long Beach Airport. Unlike most competitors, Wisk aims to operate without onboard pilots, combining autonomy with human oversight. As air travel modernizes, Los Angeles, one of North America’s most traffic-congested cities, is becoming an eVTOL hotspot. By the 2028 Olympics, significant eVTOL operations are anticipated, promising environmental, economic, and traffic benefits for LA.

Flying Magazine | Related Wisk makes first eVTOL flight in Los Angeles region – ITS International

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Iberia Transforms Product With Subtle Statements

Iberia, Spain’s flagship airline, has been undergoing a transformation to modernize its brand and improve customer experience. The once formal airline is now focused on creating joyful experiences for passengers with fun inflight entertainment and a more personal touch, such as using first names on crew badges. Significant changes include a playful design language, improved dining aligned with Spanish culture, innovative cabin amenities like a multipurpose cushion, and striking employee uniforms. While improvements are based on customer feedback, there’s potential for more authentic Spanish flair to truly honor the airline’s rich legacy.

Runway Girl Network | Related Designing for comfort: Iberia reveals A350 NPS with wider seats – Runway Girl Network

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Qantas To Trial “Neighbour free” Seating On International Flights

Qantas is trialing “neighbour free” seating on select international routes after its success on domestic flights. For a fee, passengers can reserve a seat ensuring no one sits next to them, provided the flight isn’t fully booked 48 hours before departure. If another passenger takes the seat, the fee is refunded. The service will be tested on flights to New Zealand, Singapore, and the US, costing between A$45 and $225. The option doesn’t include upgrades and has specific exclusions, like passengers with infants or unaccompanied minors.

Airport Technology | Related Your guide to Qantas ‘Neighbour Free’ empty seat charges – Executive Traveller

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Top Public Servants Told To Declare Airline Lounge Memberships Amid Qantas Controversy

The Australian Public Service Commission (APSC) updated its guidelines for agency heads regarding gifts and benefits, focusing on airline lounge memberships. Senior public servants in Australia have been instructed to disclose their memberships to invitation-only airline lounges, including Qantas’ prestigious Chairman’s Lounge. This move comes amid concerns about the influence that Qantas is able to get through its Chairman’s Lounge, which is reserved for politicians, public servants, judges, top business executives, and other prominent figures. These members receive special privileges, including fine dining, privacy, and free upgrades. Some MPs and senators have now relinquished their Chairman’s Lounge access.

The Guardian | Related Qantas appoints Rachel Yangoyan new CEO of regional airline QantasLink – news.com.au

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K2 & Partners To Deploy Radiation Portal Monitors At US Airports

K2, a construction consultancy, has secured a five-year contract worth approximately $253 million from the US Department of Homeland Security’s Countering Weapons of Mass Destruction Office (CWMD). K2, in collaboration with Parsons Corporation and Culmen International, will deploy radiation portal monitors across US airports, seaports, and land borders. These monitors are designed to detect and prevent nuclear and radiological materials or devices from entering the United States. The project will cover various entry points, including land ports, international airports, seaports, and postal facilities, supporting the efforts of US Customs and Border Protection.

Passenger Terminal Today | Related Leidos launches software platform to centralize airport security systems – Passenger Terminal Today

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> Tweet of the Day

Today @emirates turns 38. Also the day when the first EK flight from @DXB to @CSMIA_Official was launched, as EK500/501. Seen below is what EK500/501 has evolved after 38 years; operating now with the iconic A380. #avgeek #paxex #emirates #airbus #A380

OscarJulietAlphaSugar @ojas_purandare

Register for FTE APEX Asia Expo – Preparing for Tomorrow’s World

FTE APEX Asia Expo, 8-9 November 2023, at the Marina Bay Sands Expo & Convention Centre in Singapore, is the largest free-to-attend passenger experience and business performance expo for the air transport industry. It will provide a unique platform for the industry's most innovative suppliers from across Asia and further afield to come together to showcase their latest products, services and solutions designed to help airlines improve end-to-end customer experiences, reduce costs, increase revenues, and enhance sustainability and operational efficiency. The networking and business development opportunities are immense, and our AI matchmaking app, powered by Swapcard, provides incredible access to the most progressive companies in the industry, with whom you can connect to help redefine your organization’s passenger experience and business performance strategies. Learn more and register.