Airline Technology News
Tiger Airways leads the way with revolutionary new check-in options
As part of its commitment to further reduce fares and provide opportunities for even more people to fly, Tiger Airways, Australia’s low fare airline, is introducing new check-in options this week (from 01 July 2010)
Air New Zealand to offer flat beds in economy
Air New Zealand is to offer flat beds in economy on its new fleet of Boeing 777-300 ER this November. The “Skycouch”, which is aimed at couples and young families, features three standard seats that can be changed into a single, flat space.
Flight Attendant Bloggers Launch Podcast Offering Insight into Job
Two popular Flight Attendant bloggers have joined together to create a podcast offering an entertaining and enlightening look at their jobs and the lifestyle that being a Flight Attendant provides.
Etihad takes delivery of first airbus A330-300
Etihad Airways has taken delivery of its first Airbus A330-300, configured with the airline’s new first, business and economy cabin product.
Second Boeing 787 Dreamliner Completes First Flight
The second Boeing (NYSE: BA) 787 Dreamliner, ZA002, completed its first flight today. The all-new airplane, which features the livery of the Dreamliner’s launch customer, ANA (All Nippon Airways) of Japan, took off from Paine Field in Everett, completed a two-hour flight and landed at Boeing Field in Seattle.
Qatar completes first natural gas flight
Qatar Airways has made a major breakthrough in airline fuel technology by operating the inaugural paying-passenger flight powered by natural gas, with a flight between Gatwick and Doha. The move is regarded as an important step in the industry’s attempts to reduce its dependence on oil-based fuel.
Lufthansa to relaunch inflight internet
Following a deal with Panasonic, Lufthansa is set to relaunch FlyNet, its on-board broadband Internet service, after a three-year hiatus. From the middle of 2010, customers will be able to communicate via the internet and the new service will also permit inflight data transfer over standard GSM/GPRS mobile networks.
Airlines eye free Wi-Fi for travelers
It should serve as the death knell for Internet connection charges in upscale hotels.
Airline emissions cap urged for Copenhagen summit
The UK government is to raise its initiative against airline emissions as part of a new international treaty on climate change. The Committee on Climate Change, which was set up last year, is urging world leaders to agree on an international treaty at Copenhagen in December to ensure that greenhouse gas emissions from aviation are no higher than 2005 levels by 2050.
JAL Group Reforms Corporate Organization Structure
The Japan Airlines Group (JAL) announced today that the new corporate organization structure will take effect from October 1, 2009.
Dreamliner to fly by year’s end
Boeing has said the inaugural flight of its Dreamliner would take flight by the end of the year, with delivery of the first plane toward the end of 2010, two years behind schedule. It will also cost the aerospace giant an additional $2.5bn to get the revolutionary aircraft airborne.
BTN Spotlight: Richard Thorne, Innovata
Travelling the world is becoming easier with revolutionary booking tool developed by Innovata. BTN caught up with Richard Thorne, who heads up its Aviation division, to find out what new technology the company has planned.