Airline News Page 37
Marriott Bonvoy Partners with Ethiopian Airlines, Taking Member Travel Benefits to New Heights
Marriott Bonvoy®, Marriott International’s award-winning travel programme and Ethiopian Airlines, Africa’s largest airline and a Star Alliance member, today announced a partnership that gives travellers more opportunities to earn and redeem points and miles across both hotel stays and flights. Starting today, eligible members of Marriott Bonvoy and ShebaMiles, Ethiopian Airlines’ loyalty programme, can convert ShebaMiles into Marriott Bonvoy points for hotel stays, upgrades and more, as well as Marriott Bonvoy points to ShebaMiles to book flights. Members can also choose whether to earn Marriott Bonvoy points or ShebaMiles when staying at properties participating in Marriott Bonvoy.
Aeromexico returns to Quito with four weekly flights
Aeromexico resumed its flights between Mexico City and Quito with the arrival last night of its Boeing 737 MAX 8, which will operate four weekly flights. The return flight departed this morning at 10:30 a.m., following a brief ceremony attended by Ramón Miró, President and CEO of Quiport, and Pepe Zapata, Vice President of Sales for North and Latin America at Aeromexico.
Wizz Air Launches Integrated Digital Cabin Ecosystem with Immfly and gateretail
Wizz Air, the fastest growing European airline, has launched a new digital cabin ecosystem in partnership with Immfly and gateretail, bringing onboard retail, passenger and crew connectivity and operational data into a single integrated platform. The initiative marks another step forward in Wizz Air’s digital strategy, underlining the airline’s position as one of aviation’s most innovative airlines. The collaboration will enable the airline to deliver a more efficient and engaging experience for passengers, while introducing limited connectivity.
Flakes on a Plane
To celebrate the opening of their new base at Newcastle, easyJet and easyJet holidays have teamed up with Geordie institution Greggs to take sausage rolls to the air as they launch limited-edition Sausage Roll dipping sauces. The weird and wonderful flavours, inspired by new easyJet holiday destinations include a spin on the French classic Tarte Tatin, an original twist on the much-loved Spanish Sangria as well as a Kebab-inspired flavour that delivers a taste of Turkey.
Introducing the United Relax Row: Economy Seats that Transform into a Couch
United Airlines today announced the United Relax RowSM: a set of United Economy seats that can transform into a couch, creating a more comfortable option for customers traveling in the United Economy cabin on long-haul flights. United is the first North American airline to offer this kind of seating option and holds North American exclusivity on the design.
Diamonds Resorts makes Maldives bookings easier for GCC travellers with seaplane-inclusive escapes
As GCC travellers look for greater flexibility, value and reassurance when booking long-haul holidays, Diamonds Resorts is responding with two timely Maldives offers designed to make the journey feel more seamless from the outset. At Diamonds Athuruga Maldives and Diamonds Thudufushi Maldives, the group is promoting a “GCC Exclusive Maldives Escape – Seaplane Included” package that combines complimentary seaplane transfers, high-speed Wi-Fi, daily activities, curated island and marine experiences, and free cancellation up to seven days before arrival for stays of seven nights or more.
Diamonds Resorts invites GCC travellers to book a Maldives seaplane escape at Athuruga and Thudufush
Diamonds Resorts is targeting Gulf travellers with a twin Maldives campaign built around Diamonds Athuruga Maldives and Diamonds Thudufushi Maldives. Both resorts are promoting a “GCC Exclusive Maldives Escape – Seaplane Included” offer for stays of seven nights or more, bundling complimentary seaplane transfers, Wi-Fi, daily recreational activities, and a programme of family-friendly and marine experiences into a longer-stay package.
United to Add 250+ Planes in Next Two Years – Most by Any Airline
United Airlines today announced the next phase of its long-term plan to win brand loyal customers and further differentiate itself from competitors. The airline expects to take delivery of more than 250 new aircraft by April 2028 – the most by any airline in a two-year period – to further modernize its fleet, add new aircraft variants, create a new experience for transcontinental travelers and introduce new onboard products for every customer, reinforcing United’s position as a leading premium airline.
Madeira Strengthens UK Connectivity for Summer 2026
Madeira is set to strengthen connectivity from the UK for the summer season*, with increased frequency on both London and some regional routes. London will remain a key getaway to Madeira, with a consistent schedule of 31 weekly flights operating across the capital's airports throughout the summer season, up from an average of 28 weekly flights last summer. The Bournemouth service, which launched last summer, returns for the summer season, and Bristol will benefit from increased frequency, rising from four to five flights per week, offering improved flexibility for travellers from the South West.
Relax, Reset, Ready to Fly: Virgin Atlantic reveals revamped Heathrow Clubhouse
Virgin Atlantic is delighted to unveil its refreshed Clubhouse at London Heathrow following the first phase of a redesign and refurbishment. Enhancing the experience on the ground for Upper Class customers the new space offers a new cinema area, work pods, a new Royal Box VIP area and a refreshed Gallery space bringing together elevated comfort, modern style and a sense of calm before you fly. For guests seeking a moment of wellbeing before take-off, two luxurious new pop-up wellness experiences have arrived in the Clubhouse. Three self-guided Somadomes offer immersive meditation designed to calm and reset, while a new partnership with Secret Spa introduces a curated menu of dreamy treatments. Together, they create the perfect opportunity to relax, refresh and feel ready to fly.
airBaltic becomes first Starlink-connected airline to implement AirMall by InterLnkd
Latvian airline airBaltic has partnered with InterLnkd to integrate AirMall into its Skynet onboard Wi-Fi portal, becoming the first Starlink-connected airline to launch a global, dynamic inflight shopping mall experience for its passengers. AirMall by InterLnkd turns the carrier’s Wi-Fi portal into an airline-branded retail channel on passengers’ own devices, connecting travellers to 20,000+ brands in the air with zero onboard stock or crew involvement. The provider-agnostic solution offers tailored recommendations, loyalty integration, and flexible post-flight delivery options.
EGYPTAIR'S NEW A350-900 TO FEATURE IN-FLIGHT ENGAGEMENT & DIGITAL SOLUTIONS FROM PANASONIC AVIONICS
Panasonic Avionics Corporation (Panasonic Avionics), the world's leading supplier of in-flight engagement and connectivity (IFEC) solutions, today announced that EgyptAir's new A350-900 has entered service featuring award winning in-flight engagement and connectivity (IFEC) systems and a suite of digital apps and services from Panasonic Avionics.