Airlines News Page 120
LLA leads Europe in Next-Gen Aircraft usage
London Luton Airport (LLA) continues to lead the way in the adoption of quieter, more fuel-efficient “next-generation” aircraft, with the highest proportion of passenger flights operated using these advanced models than any other major European airport. Data from aviation intelligence specialist RDC Aviation shows that between March 2024 and February 2025, almost half (47.8%) of commercial passenger flights departing from LLA were operated using Airbus neo or Boeing Max variants, which reduce emissions by up to 20% and have a reduced noise footprint.
SAS broadens its global network with additional Delta codeshare destinations
SAS announces the expansion of its partnership with Delta Air Lines, offering a wide range of new trans-Atlantic options and ensuring a more convenient travel experience between Scandinavia and North America. Starting April 2nd, 2025, customers will benefit from an expanded codeshare between SkyTeam partners SAS and Delta. The agreement will present a broader range of destinations and increased frequencies, providing a more streamlined and convenient journey.
Cathay and Zurich Insurance (Hong Kong) collaborate to offer customers multiple insurance protection
Cathay and Zurich Insurance (Hong Kong) (“Zurich”) are excited to announce a new strategic partnership that aims to elevate the lifestyle of Cathay members. This collaboration, “Cathay x Zurich partnership - Protect daily lives, Earn Miles” will provide a diverse selection of general insurance solutions alongside a seamless customer journey. The new offerings are designed to safeguard every facet of Cathay members’ lives while enabling them to earn Asia Miles.
Southend-on-Seeing more of Europe
easyJet has today opened its 10th UK base at London Southend Airport, creating 140 direct jobs for pilots and crew in the UK and supporting 1200 indirect jobs*. This marks a continued trajectory of UK growth for the airline as it opens a second base in as many years, having launched at Birmingham International Airport in 2024, fuelled by UK demand for its flights and package holidays.
Middle East Air Connectivity Set for Growth in 2025
Mabrian’s analysis of 2025 international air seat availability reveals key shifts in the Middle East’s aviation landscape, underscoring the need for strategic route development, airline partnerships, and network optimisation to strengthen the Middle East’s position as a global aviation hub. Mabrian, the global travel intelligence platform, analysed seats availability data on flights scheduled in international, one-way, direct flights connecting to nine Middle East destinations (Türkiye, Egypt, Jordan, United Arab Emirates - UAE, Saudi Arabia, Qatar, Oman, Kuwait, and Bahrein), that collectively account for 12% of the total global inbound air seats scheduled for the full year 2025. This study is part of a series of Middle East market insights Mabrian will release in the lead-up to Arabian Travel Market 2025, aiming at sparking discussions on key trends shaping the travel & tourism in the region. Key take outs of this study indicate that the United Arab Emirates and Türkiye maintain their positions as top global connectivity hubs; Saudi Arabia emerges as a fast-growing competitor; Qatar stabilises after sustained expansion; Egypt and Jordan are set to outpace global growth rates, and Oman, Bahrain, and Kuwait face declining inbound connectivity.
DIGITRIPS transforms airfare booking with year-long price protection
DIGITRIPS, the French travel tech group behind the B2B and B2C platform MisterFly, has unveiled FREEZE – the only feature on the market that allows travellers to lock in a flight fare for up to 12 months before take-off, without any commitment. Unlike traditional price freeze tools that only offer a few hours or days of protection, FREEZE gives travellers the power to secure the best airfare months ahead and confirm or decline the held fare up to 10 days before departure. This unique approach eliminates the stress of volatile airfare pricing and offers unmatched flexibility in trip planning.
Paradise Found: oneworld welcomes Fiji Airways to global alliance
oneworld® alliance today welcomes Fiji Airways, the flag carrier of Fiji and the South Pacific, as its newest member airline, with a full suite of oneworld benefits available to customers around the world beginning 1 April 2025. Fiji Airways will provide top tier customers with a full suite of oneworld benefits as a full member airline: · Access to a network of nearly 700 airport lounges globally, including recently opened oneworld branded lounges in Amsterdam’s Schiphol and Seoul’s Incheon airports · Priority check-in and boarding · Earning and redeeming miles · Earning Tier Points
Emirates’ Aircrafted KIDS initiative reaches 700 young students across Asia
Supporting children’s education and making meaningful connections within the communities it serves, Emirates has engaged with several educational entities across Asia; to provide 700 handmade schoolbags and essential stationery supplies directly to young students. Each schoolbag is a piece of history - a limited-edition bag from Emirates’ Aircrafted range, made from the fabrics and parts of Emirates’ iconic aircraft. With 1300 bags already distributed across Africa, the Asia Aircrafted KIDS delivery is part of a larger initiative by Emirates to repurpose and upcycle materials for the benefit of children across the globe.
BRITISH AIRWAYS BECOMES THE FIRST AIRLINE TO SERVE PRESTIGE CUVÉE ENGLISH SPARKLING WINE ON BOARD
British Airways has launched a selection of award-winning English sparkling wines and prestigious Champagnes for customers to enjoy at 35,000ft, available in its First and Club World (business class) cabins across all long-haul flights.
flydubai resumes direct flights to Pisa
flydubai, the Dubai-based carrier, has announced the resumption of direct flights between Pisa and Dubai. Flights from Terminal 3, Dubai International (DXB) will operate three times a week to Pisa International Airport (PSA) from 01 April 2025, offering passengers travelling from Dubai and the GCC a convenient and reliable service to the popular holiday destination in Italy.
VIRGIN ATLANTIC DEBUTS NEW CLUBHOUSE AT LAX TAILORED TO PRE-FLIGHT WELLNESS
From today, travelers looking to escape the hustle of La La Land can unwind in style at the Virgin Atlantic Clubhouse at Los Angeles International Airport (LAX). Thoughtfully designed with wellness in mind, the lounge offers exclusive amenities, spaces and experiences tailored to enhance the preflight experience for eligible customers1.
Airlines are pouring millions into AI – so why are charter sales stuck in the 90s?
Airline IT investment is at its highest level since 2019, with spending on AI and automation surging – BA alone has committed £100 million to such initiatives. The global AI market in aviation, currently valued at $1.6 billion, could reach $40.4 billion by 2033. * Yet, commercial charter divisions are still drowning in manual email enquiries and handling bookings with pen-and-paper workflows.