Airline News Page 133
Qatar Airways Nears Boeing 777 Fleet-Wide Starlink Upgrade, Set to Expand to Airbus A350 this Month
Qatar Airways, the largest global airline offering Starlink’s high-speed internet on-board, is now a few aircraft away from completing its Boeing 777 fleet-wide upgrade. The airline’s rapid rollout reinforces in-flight innovation leadership and marks one of the fastest and most ambitious Starlink installations in the aviation industry. In its latest global first, Qatar Airways will begin equipping its Airbus A350 fleet with Starlink Wi-Fi this month, becoming the first airline in the world to bring this cutting-edge connectivity to passengers onboard the Airbus A350 aircraft type.
Emirates Joins Aviation Circularity Consortium
Emirates has joined the Aviation Circularity Consortium (ACC), along with SL Metals, with the aim to unlock the circular economy for aviation. The airline’s participation marks the continued growth of the ACC and reinforces its commitment to accelerate supply chain decarbonisation through high-value circularity, following the Consortium’s milestone launch of its 2050 Industry Roadmap in November 2024. Emirates has embedded recycling and circular solutions within its operations as part of its sustainability strategy. From cabin interior upcycling and incorporating more sustainable materials in its products to inflight initiatives and waste reduction programmes, the airline continues to explore innovative ways to reduce its environmental footprint. By joining the ACC, Emirates will contribute to advancing circular aviation innovations, further strengthening the Consortium’s collaborative momentum.
Republic Airways and Mesa Air Group to Combine
Republic Airways Holdings Inc. and Mesa Air Group, Inc. today announced that they have entered into a definitive agreement to merge and create a leading publicly-traded regional airline company in an all-stock transaction. Upon closing, the combined company will be renamed Republic Airways Holdings Inc. and is expected to remain NASDAQ-listed under the new ticker symbol "RJET". "Today's announcement is an exciting next step in Mesa's more than 40-year history, one that represents the best outcome for our shareholders, employees, and all of our stakeholders," said Jonathan Ornstein, Mesa's Chairman and Chief Executive Officer. "By bringing the best of our organizations together, we will create a regional carrier that continues to connect communities across America while providing advancement opportunities to our employees."
United Continues Growth at San Francisco International Airport
United recently announced it will add 20 percent more flying out of San Francisco International Airport (SFO) in 2025, reflecting its long-term strategy to re-establish SFO as a global gateway. United is now larger in SFO than it was pre-pandemic, with capacity1 up six percent since 2019, and 20 percent versus last year.
Only 50 Travelers Can Book Global Travel Collection's Exclusive Private Air Experience, Dec 5-14
Embark on a nostalgic adventure with Global Travel Collection (GTC) and Pan Am as they bring travelers an exclusive journey honoring Pan Am's legacy while exploring the magic of Europe's beloved Christmas markets.
Airline's First Station with Fully Electric Main Ground Support Equipment
To mark Earth Month, Air Canada announced today that its ground operations in Québec City will be the airline's first station in Canada to achieve 100% electrification of its GSE fleet across all main categories by the end of 2025. This milestone will represent a complete transition from fossil fuel-powered equipment to electric alternatives for all baggage and ramp tractors, belt loaders, power stows, container loaders and aircraft tractors. This transition will eliminate Air Canada's use of fossil fuel equipment in these key GSE categories at this station.
Lufthansa deploys state-of-the-art A350 long-haul aircraft from Frankfurt
Lufthansa passengers can now fly from Frankfurt to a number of international destinations with the Airbus A350-900. Four of these state-of-the-art and efficient aircraft have been deployed from Frankfurt since the start of the summer flight schedule. Two more will be added in May and July. The aircraft have been in service on routes to Seoul and Shanghai since March 30. Denver will follow from May 1 and Seattle from July 1.
Radisson Hotel Group is driving resurgence in European tourism with flagship hotels
Radisson Hotel Group followed up on a historical 2024 – its strongest ever year in signings and openings – with the successful (re)opening of Radisson Collection Hotel, Berlin and a flying start to 2025. With a plan to add over 37,000 rooms to its portfolio through signings, expansion is continuing across key markets in Europe – where it is strengthening its presence to drive tourism – as well Middle East, Africa, and Asia.
IATA Ground Handling Conference 2025 to Focus on People
The International Air Transport Association (IATA) announced that the 37th IATA Ground Handling Conference (IGHC) will focus on the need to modernize operations, invest in workforce development, and strengthen coordination and collaboration to improve performance.
SAS unveils largest-ever summer expansion
Scandinavian Airlines is set to enhance connectivity across Scandinavia and beyond with the launch of its summer 2025 traffic program, further establishing Copenhagen Airport as its global hub. The extensive expansion brings the total to 278 routes for the season, strengthening SAS' role in connecting Northern Europe to the world and providing travelers with more efficient and convenient travel options.
Finnair reclaims title of leading European airline to Japan by flights
Finnair, Finland’s flag carrier and oneworld alliance member, has reclaimed the title of leading European airline to Japan this summer, as it underscores its commitment to Asia. The Nordic airline, known for connecting Europe and the Far East, has taken off with its new summer schedule, which now offers customers 25 weekly flights between its home hub, Helsinki, and Japan - more than any other European carrier.
Over Half of Brits Concerned Over AI-Generated or Fake Reviews in Travel Sector
Icelandair has revealed surprising insights into how travellers feel about increased dependence on AI generated content when it comes to online travel listings, reviews and social posts. The study, conducted among 2,000 UK travellers, explores behaviour, trust and how digital content is impacting booking decisions. Over half (54%) of respondents expressed concerns about AI-generated or fake reviews when researching trips, and 44% noted they have become more wary of travel reviews due to AI and bots than previous years. As such, it's no surprise that a staggering 67% think any misleading, exaggerated or fake reviews of holiday destinations or hotels were written using AI.