Airlines News Page 30
Smart Catering: reducing cabin food waste with AI
The global airline industry currently generates an estimated 3.6 million tonnes of cabin and catering waste annually, based on 2024–2025 data from the International Air Transport Association (IATA) and the Aviation Sustainability Forum (ASF). This volume is to be at four million tonnes by late 2025 and could potentially double by 2040 if current practices are not changed, primarily due to the increased passengers’ numbers.
Korean Air unveils flagship Incheon First and Prestige Class lounges
Korean Air has officially completed a comprehensive 42-month infrastructure overhaul of its lounges at Incheon International Airport Terminal 2 with the unveiling of its renovated flagship First and Prestige Class West Lounges, opening April 17 and 16, respectively. Following a KRW 110 billion investment, the airline has successfully modernized its entire lounge network at Incheon. The expansion more than doubles the airline’s total lounge capacity at the terminal, preparing for increased passenger volumes ahead of its planned integration with Asiana Airlines.
25 years in Argentina: Delta’s journey of connection and commitment
Delta Air Lines is celebrating 25 years of operations in Argentina, marking a milestone that reflects the airline’s long-standing commitment to the country and its role in connecting Argentina with the United States and the world. Since launching service in 2000, Delta has grown alongside Argentina’s aviation market, supporting cultural exchange, tourism and business ties while building long-term partnerships and local teams that continue to shape the airline’s presence today.
easyJet holidays awarded Good Housekeeping Institute Reader Recommended status Customer Experience
Tour operator easyJet holidays has once again been recognised for delivering outstanding customer experience, earning the prestigious Good Housekeeping Institute Reader recommended endorsement for the second year running. The accolade is based on direct feedback from Good Housekeeping readers, who rated their experience across every stage of the journey when booking and travelling on an easyJet holidays package.
British Airways’ fully-funded pilot training programme opens for applications for fourth year
British Airways’ fully-funded pilot training scheme has opened for applications for the fourth year running, with an £18m commitment by the airline for up to 160 aspiring pilots. Tens of thousands of applicants are expected to apply for a place on the highly-competitive Speedbird Pilot Academy, which sees British Airways covering the £100,000 training cost for those who land a spot on the programme.
Etihad Airways unveils six new destinations, expanding footprint across the Africa continent
Etihad Airways announced a significant expansion of its Africa network, adding new routes to the Democratic Republic of the Congo, Eritrea, Ghana, Nigeria and Zimbabwe from Abu Dhabi, as part of its continued global growth strategy. The new services reflect investment in high-growth markets, supporting increasing connectivity across trade, cargo and mobility.
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.
dnata showcases live microfarm spotlighting fresh culinary innovation at WTCE
dnata Catering & Retail exhibits a live microfarm installation at the World Travel Catering & Onboard Services Expo (WTCE), offering visitors a tangible demonstration of how freshness, sustainability and culinary creativity are shaping the next phase of onboard dining. Inspired by dnata’s catering facility in Melbourne, the microfarm enables culinary teams to cultivate selected herbs onsite for use in menu development. Since its introduction in 2025, the initiative has supported more than a dozen menu presentations and contributed to improved freshness, reduced waste, sustainability and enhanced menu creativity.
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.
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.