Airline News Page 32
The future of long haul travel: Air New Zealand's Economy Skynest™ on sale from May 2026
A new era of long haul travel is on the horizon as Air New Zealand's world-first innovation, the Economy Skynest™, will be available to book from May 18, 2026. It will operate onboard the airline's new Boeing 787-9 Dreamliner aircraft from November. The game-changing concept gives travelers more choice, providing the opportunity for lie-flat rest in the sky regardless of the cabin they choose to fly. Initial services will operate between New York (JFK) and Auckland (AKL), redefining comfort on one of the world's longest routes.
Etihad Airways Makes Travelling with Pets More Accessible
Etihad Airways, the national airline of the UAE, is making it more accessible for guests to travel with their cats and dogs, introducing a special promotional offer for its existing Pets Onboard service while continuing to deliver the care, comfort and safety that define the Etihad travel experience. Already the only airline in the UAE to offer guests the option to travel with pets in the cabin, Etihad continues to evolve the service in response to growing demand from travellers who wish to bring important members of the family when they fly.
Etihad elevates premium cabins on flights to Mumbai and New Delhi
Etihad Airways, the national airline of the UAE, has elevated its premium travel experience across all flights connecting Abu Dhabi to Mumbai and New Delhi, both operating four times daily. The airline will introduce its game-changing Airbus A321LR twice daily to both Mumbai and New Delhi, which will complement two daily wide-body services connecting Abu Dhabi to each city.
Brewed at altitude: British Airways expands partnership with Grind to bring a bespoke coffee blend
British Airways is expanding its partnership with London-based coffee brand Grind, to bring a bespoke coffee blend to the skies, specially crafted to serve the perfect cup at 35,000ft. The specially curated blend will be served across British Airways’ Club Europe (short‑haul business class) and Club World (long‑haul business class) cabins. The blend has been co-created by Tim Jackson, British Airways’ Master of Wine who oversees the airline’s full complimentary drinks portfolio, and Grind’s Head of Coffee, Howard Gill.
NH Collection Maldives Reethi Resort Launches The Maxies Family Club
In the heart of the UNESCO Biosphere Reserve, the newly opened NH Collection Maldives Reethi Resort enriches its already expansive leisure offering with the debut of The Maxies Family Club. The new tech-light sanctuary invites young explorers and their families to connect, create and celebrate the wonders of the natural world together across 165 square metres of bright, breezy interiors that open onto generous outdoor play spaces.
Spring Airlines Joins DerbySoft’s Global Data Network for Flights
DerbySoft, an innovative global technology company dedicated to accelerating travel commerce, today announced that Spring Airlines, China’s largest and best performing low-cost carriers (LCC) in China, has joined DerbySoft’s Global Data Network (GDN) for Flights—a next-generation flight distribution model that transforms the traditional hub-and-spoke model into a true network of direct connections among all participants.
Scoot, Qatar, and Ryanair top Cirium global airline emissions rankings in 2025
Singapore-based Scoot has been named the world’s most emissions-efficient airline in Cirium’s 2025 EmeraldSky Annual Review, taking the top position from last year’s leader, Wizz Air. Qatar Airways, Ryanair, and Turkish Airlines were each recognised as the top three most efficient airlines, ranked by available seat kilometres (ASK).
SITA research finds aviation’s record technology investment hinges on one thing: data coordination
SITA’s 2025 Air Transport IT Insights report finds that, while the air transport industry invested a record $50.8 billion in technology in 2025, a common obstacle keeps emerging: where data does not flow freely between systems and partners, that investment cannot fully deliver what it was designed to unlock. The cost of this data coordination gap is higher than ever now that the conflict in the Middle East continues to disrupt the industry at a global scale. Operators investing in closing that gap are building foundations that will outlast the current disruption.
Emirates and Wesgro sign MoU to Stimulate Inbound Tourism to the Western Cape
On the sidelines of Africa’s World Travel Market (WTM), Emirates and Wesgro have signed a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) to drive inbound tourism and boost visitors to Cape Town and the Western Cape. The partnership underscores the airline’s longstanding commitment to the market through attracting visitors from across its global network supporting the province’s strategy of unlocking tourism growth.
Qatar Airways Expands Global Network to over 150 Destinations
Qatar Airways is expanding its international flight network, with services to over 150 destinations from 16 June 2026, connecting more passengers to more of the world this summer. The updated schedule, valid until 15 September 2026, introduces new routes and increased frequencies to and from Doha, offering passengers greater flexibility as they plan for the summer season.
EVA Air Hosts West Ham United Legends and Supporters in Bangkok and London for Brand Collaboration
EVA Air, Taiwan's leading independent airline, has once again joined forces with long-term partner, West Ham United, to host West Ham supporters and Club legends, Carlton Cole and Marlon Harewood, in Bangkok between 9th to 13th April to film brand and travel content and strengthen EVA Air's brand presence through its continued partnership with the Club. As well as the filming of brand and travel-related content, the trip saw EVA Air, the Club's Official Airline Partner, host a fan-engagement event with local supporters as well as a special Watch Party as the Hammers took on Wolverhampton Wanderers at the London Stadium and pulled off an impressive 4-0 win.
TLC Jet Partners with American Airlines to Bring Exclusive Rewards and Seamless Travel Flexibility
TLC Jet, a leading private aviation charter provider renowned for providing the smartest way to fly private, today announced a partnership with American Airlines. This collaboration integrates American's award-winning AAdvantage® program, enabling TLC Jet clients who are AAdvantage® members to earn AAdvantage® miles and Loyalty Points when flying private with TLC Jet. Customers who are not yet AAdvantage® members can join for free by visiting American's website.