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Recaro and Alaska Airlines 10-year partnership

Recaro Aircraft Seating and Alaska Airlines celebrate 10 years of partnership

By Satu DahlAirlines, Featured, SeatingNo Comments

Recaro Aircraft Seating and Alaska Airlines are celebrating a partnership which began with the selection of the CL4400 and the Crystal Cabin and Red Dot Award-winning BL3520 for Alaska Airlines’ Boeing fleet.

Throughout the years, Recaro has delivered nearly 20K pax for various cabin retrofit and linefit programmes, as well as the recent relaunch of Alaska’s Airbus fleet. Recaro says that, by the end of 2022, it will surpass a 50K pax milestone with their long-term customer.

“Our partnership with Alaska exemplifies our commitment to next-level customer relations and we have learned so much from one another over the years,” commented Sunitha Vegerla, General Manager at Recaro Aircraft Seating Americas. “With Alaska’s plan to reach net zero carbon emissions by 2040, it’s more important than ever for Recaro to be in lock-step with our partners.”

The companies have collaborated to develop unique seating options for passengers, including the design of the CL4710, which is used as a business class seat on Alaska aircraft, and the BL3530 high literature pocket, which increases living space for passengers and reduces seat weight by allowing for a slimmer seat design and maximises high-density layouts.

“Recaro and Alaska stand at the forefront of innovation as we work towards enhancing the passenger experience while navigating rising industry demands for lower environmental impacts,” said Dr. Mark Hiller, CEO at Recaro Aircraft Seating and Recaro Holding. “Our design engineers offer lightweight solutions while leading the way with seat quality and comfort that Alaska and their passengers have come to expect.”

“We stand for care at Alaska and a big part of how we demonstrate care is through our thoughtful, high quality product touches,” Sangita Woerner, SVP of Marketing and Guest Experience at Alaska Airlines. “Since 2012, Recaro has played a leading role in helping us deliver incredible comfort, convenient features and reliability for our guests. As we continue to deliver our new fuel-efficient 737 MAX fleet and begin to refresh our 737 NG interiors, we appreciative of the decade long partnership we’ve forged with Recaro.”

November 21, 2022

Qatar Airways to show FIFA World Cup matches live during flights

By Satu DahlFeatured, IFEC, InsightsNo Comments

Qatar Airways will treat its passengers to 56 live FIFA World Cup matches as well as other major sporting events directly on their personal devices on flights that are equipped with the airline’s Super Wi-Fi service.

The live matches are available on the Sport 24 channel, which is produced by IMG and broadcasts 24 hours a day, 365 days a year, connecting airline passengers to thousands of hours of premium live content from over 40 different global sports competitions.

Sport 24 is exclusively available during flights from Panasonic Avionics. Panasonic Avionics’ Live Television service can be offered across a range of in-flight entertainment and in-flight connectivity configurations. It is being streamed on Qatar Airways via Inmarsat’s GX Aviation in-flight broadband. Panasonic Avionics says this is the first time the connectivity provider has delivered Panasonic Avionics’ Live Television.

Inmarsat’s GX Aviation offers the high-speed in-flight broadband required to stream Sport 24 with seamless global coverage across Qatar Airways’ flight routes. This solution already powers Qatar Airways’ Super Wi-Fi offering, enabling passengers to scroll social media, stream movies and TV, play games and browse the web, as well as watch live sports.

Andrew Mohr, Vice President of Digital Solutions for Panasonic Avionics, said: “Our Live Television service brings a whole new dimension to in-flight engagement, and enables passengers to catch unmissable sporting moments in the skies. We are honoured to be continuing our long-standing partnership with Qatar Airways by bringing this innovation to their cabins, in partnership with Inmarsat.”

William Huot-Marchand, Inmarsat Aviation’s Senior Vice President of Inflight Connectivity, commented: “Qatar Airways was the first airline based in the Middle East and North Africa to offer Inmarsat’s GX Aviation in-flight broadband service, cementing its status as a leading pioneer of technology innovations. We are delighted that, four years later, GX Aviation continues to lead the way for Qatar Airways, powering the connectivity for its first live television offering, which also coincides with the FIFA World Cup Qatar 2022™.

We are delighted to share this special milestone with them, alongside our partner Panasonic Avionics.”

November 18, 2022

Etihad Airways and World Energy partner to demonstrate the future of Net-Zero aviation

Etihad signs historical net-zero aviation MoU with World Energy

By Satu DahlAirlines, Featured, SustainabilityNo Comments

UAE national carrier Etihad Airways has signed a historical Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) with World Energy, a carbon-net-zero solutions provider, to establish a long-term strategic partnership to decarbonise flights through in-sector emissions reductions.

According to Etihad, it is the first commercial carrier to participate in World Energy’s recently launched service for airline and corporate climate leaders taking real action to achieve net-zero goals. “We are making long-term commitments with leaders to decarbonise transport,” said Gene Gebolys, CEO, World Energy.

“Our work with Etihad is strategic and rooted in purpose. It will drive innovation and accountability so we can scale sustainable fuels and make a real and impactful reduction toward effectively decarbonising aviation.”

The announcement follows the two companies powering the first net-zero flight using sustainable aviation fuel (SAF) via a Book & Claim system. Accomplished by displacing approximately 26,000 gallons of petroleum-based jet fuel through the use of net-zero equivalent gallons of World Energy’s SAF at Los Angeles International Airport, this resulted in the elimination of approximately 250 metric tons of carbon related to Etihad’s regular routing flight from Washington Dulles to Abu Dhabi during COP27.

Feasible path to net-zero

Mariam Alqubaisi, Head of Sustainability & Business Excellence, Etihad Airways commented: “Our NetZero flight proved Book & Claim is the only feasible path to net-zero commercial aviation using current technology and is the transition framework required until the supply of sustainable aviation fuel reaches its maturity and availability. Net-zero commercial aviation is possible, but we have to be honest as an industry and say there are significant logistical challenges to using SAF at present.

“We are committed to using actual SAF on our flights from the U.S. and across the world when we can secure a sustainable and efficient supply at the airports we serve.”

The Etihad and World Energy Book & Claim MOU establishes a pending agreement between the two companies, which is the first-of-its-kind, long-term contract to supply an airline with the environmental attributes associated with SAF produced in Los Angeles, California. World Energy will deliver the physical SAF to Los Angeles International Airport, which will displace conventional fossil fuel required by aircraft flying out of the airport. Etihad will receive the emission reductions in the form of SAF certificates (SAFc) once World Energy blends the SAF and it achieves “drop-in” ASTM certification and will then be able to include their customers on the certificates. This will allow those customers to mitigate the emissions related to business flights.

November 17, 2022

FIFA World Cup Qatar 2022™matches will be aired live on Sport 24 onboard Emirates

Emirates to air FIFA World Cup Qatar 2022 live on board

By Satu DahlFeatured, IFECNo Comments

Emirates will be airing FIFA World Cup Qatar 2022 matches live during its flights through the Sport 24 in-flight channel.

Emirates says that more than 200 of its aircraft are equipped with live TV, featuring dedicated sports channels – Sport 24 and Sport 24 Extra. Emirates passengers can watch all FIFA World Cup Qatar 2022 on Sport 24 via ice from 20 November.

Emirates passengers can also watch live match action in Emirates’ lounges before boarding their flights. Emirates provides complimentary lounge access to First and Business Class passengers, as well as Emirates Skywards Platinum and Gold members. Silver members can access the Emirates Business Class lounge in Dubai, while Premium Economy and Economy Class passengers can pay to access the lounge. Emirates says its lounges offer a range of luxuries for travellers from generous buffet dining with regionally inspired cuisine and healthy options, to self-serve alcohol stations, showers, free Wi-Fi and a private business centre.

Sport 24 also shows live matches from the Premier League, UEFA Champions League and UEFA Europa League, and the Asian Football Championship and airs top international sporting events including the upcoming Women’s Rugby World Cup, International Cricket Council Men’s T20 World Cup, the Olympic Games, National Football League (NFL), National Basketball Association (NBA), National Hockey League (NHL), major golf championships, tennis grand slams plus sailing, horse racing and motorsports.

Full match schedules can be viewed in advance on https://www.emirates.com.

November 17, 2022

Bucher and Deutsche Aircraft sign galley and partition supply agreement

By Satu DahlDesign, Featured, Insights, InteriorsNo Comments

Aircraft cabin interior products supplier Bucher Leichtbau has signed an agreement to supply Deutsche Aircraft’s new 40-seat D328eco regional aircraft with galleys and partitions.

Bucher says this is an exciting opportunity for the company to play a key development and manufacturing role in Deutsche Aircraft’s new eco-efficient airplane. With the aircraft, Deutsche Aircraft will accelerate the aviation industry towards new lower emissions with its new engines, which will be certified for synthetic fuel.

According to Bucher, its time-to-market capabilities, supply chain resilience, sustainability across the life-cycle of the product and commercial competitiveness were important key factors in being awarded this contract.

Commenting on the new contract, Beat Burlet, Chief Executive Officer of Bucher, said: “With our range of proven, innovative and sustainable products for the aircraft cabin, we believe that Bucher is a natural fit for Deutsche Aircraft. We are honoured to sign this contract for a longstanding supplier partnership with Deutsche Aircraft and look forward to enhancing the passenger and crew experience with our range of interior products.”

Nico Neumann, COO of Deutsche Aircraft, said: “Since the beginning of discussions Bucher has shown a clear understanding of our requirements. Their decades-long know-how regarding cabin interior monuments and lightweight construction, whilst being open-minded regarding innovation and the high finishing quality on the product makes them the perfect partner for the galley and partitions for the D328eco. The D328eco will change the way we fly and help reduce our carbon footprint.”

November 16, 2022

Unveiling an exclusive dish by Chef Nobu Matsuhisa only available onboard VistaJet

VistaJet unveils an exclusive in-flight dish by Nobu Matsuhisa

By Satu DahlBusiness aviation, Catering, FeaturedNo Comments

VistaJet released details about its redefined fine dining experience on board earlier this week that features signature seasonal menus and Michelin-starred partners. The operator also announced it has extended its longstanding partnership with Nobu and unveiled a new excusive creation by Chef Nobu Matsuhisa.

The dish is only available to VistaJet clients and is prepared for passengers flying on board the iconic fleet of silver and red aircraft.

VistaJet says it carefully curates the menu on every flight with each dish prepared for high-altitude dining to ensure a consistent and seamless fine dining experience. This involves considering the effects of elevation, lower humidity and increased noise and movement on tastebuds and senses.

“We have been on a journey to transform the private dining experience in the air — to make it something to savour”, said Diego Sabino, Vice President of Private Dining at VistaJet. “Simple things, big flavours and the best ingredients prepared and cooked to perfection will always travel well. We have explored the art and science of dining, so our Members can cherish time together on board, with the right taste, whatever the occasion.”

VistaJet’s members’ fleet consists of 360 aircraft. The operator says its new client membership across the U.S. is reaching the highest number in its history and it continues to innovate its service by partnering with the world’s best chefs and restaurants. Through its Private World portfolio, VistaJet Members have access to a network of hundreds of partner benefits in every continent. Clients flying from the U.S. region can enjoy the exclusive Nobu-style experience at 45,000 feet in the sky, focused on quality ingredients, exceptional service and inspired private dining.

Chef Nobu Matsuhisa commented: “I’m delighted to continue our partnership with VistaJet and to introduce Nobu Steamed Salmon Dry Miso — a new and exciting dish created exclusively for their clients. Like Nobu, VistaJet is a global brand dedicated to offering their guests an unparalleled experience in world class service and I look forward to our continued partnership for many miles to come.”

Leona Qi, President Of Vistajet U.S. noted: “At VistaJet, we work to ensure our Members have the same level of quality and service in the sky as they would expect on the ground. We value our partnership with Nobu, a demonstration of our commitment to creating simple, perfectly executed and seamless experiences to be enjoyed anytime and anywhere.”

November 15, 2022

Panasonic Avionics’ in-flight mobile phone service added to AT&T International Day Pass

By Satu DahlFeatured, IFEC, InsightsNo Comments

AT&T has added access to Panasonic Avionics’ in-flight mobile phone service to its AT&T International Day Pass™ travel product.

Mobile network operators around the globe are creating compelling retail propositions that drive in-flight roaming usage and adoption, and the agreement with AT&T follows an increase in data consumption across Panasonic Avionics’ in-flight mobile network in 2022 compared to pre-pandemic levels.

AT&T and Panasonic Avionics through its wholly owned subsidiary Aeromobile Communications Ltd will deliver end-to-end connectivity to airline passengers providing an extra dimension to the in-flight connectivity experience. According to Panasonic Avionics, passengers that have added AT&T International Day Pass (IDP) to their line(s) can use their mobile devices on aircraft equipped with Panasonic Avionics mobile solutions for the same daily fee as they would be charged in any other IDP destination.

Panasonic Avionics says that with IDP, passengers can connect to the Aeromobile service and enjoy high-speed data, calls and texting as they do on their plans at home for $10/day. Additional lines used the same day only pay a $5 daily fee.

Through its subsidiary Aeromobile, Panasonic Avionics joins forces with mobile operators around the world to include in-flight roaming in compelling retail propositions like their mainstream packages, to improve the travel experience for their subscribers. Panasonic Avionics’ in-flight mobile service operates in conjunction with its worldwide in-flight Wi-Fi service to provide passengers with a range of payment and connection options in several markets.

John Wade, Vice President of In-flight Connectivity at Panasonic Avionics said: “We are delighted to partner with AT&T and provide a new dimension to staying in touch for their customers. We have seen mobile network operators around the globe — especially the Middle East, Europe, and Asia — launch compelling in-flight retail offers, and we’re excited that operators in the U.S. are now embracing the overseas in-flight connectivity market.”

November 15, 2022

STARLUX A350-900 Cabin Class Reveal Setting New Standards for Airlines Cabin

STARLUX unveils its A350-900 cabin

By Satu DahlAirlines, Design, Featured, InteriorsNo Comments

STARLUX Airlines, which took delivery of its A350-900 in late October, has now unveiled the aircraft’s interior design.

STARLUX says it is the first airline in Taiwan to offer First Class in addition to Business and Economy Class cabins. The carrier’s A350-900 integrates the most recent innovations in cabin design. As an example, the aircraft has electrical dimmable windows that block 99.99% of visible light and switch twice the speed of the previous generation.

STARLUX once again engaged innovative design firm BMW Designworks to design the A350’s cabin interior. The A350’s theme — “Glisten” — is a variation on the original STARLUX theme “Pure Tea”, and to enhance the theme, STARLUX says it is the first airline to install secant luminous welcome panels on the new A350, putting passengers at ease as they board the aircraft.

First class comfort

According to the airline, the aircraft’s First Class cabin is constructed behind a 60-inch high partition. In front of each seat, a personal wardrobe is provided to store luggage and personal items, with seats converting to fully lie-flat beds, allowing passengers to rest in their own private space.

To provide even more comfort, STARLUX has revealed that it also offers an innovative feature based on NASA’s neutral body posture specifications, where the seats can be placed in a “Zero G” mode to alleviate fatigue from sitting through a long-haul flight, and four-way adjustable armrests provide extra space for passengers to place their arms when the seat is in a fully flat position.

The Business Class cabin is constructed with a 48.5-inch partition and the lamps besides the seats are carefully designed to make the space look cozy. The seats are also wider than normal according to the carrier and provide more legroom. Business Class seats also offer the “Zero G” feature, which helps relieve pressure.

Premium Economy Class and Economy Class have a “Relaxed Elegance” theme to provide a relaxed atmosphere where passengers can recline in their seats and enjoy the premium service provided by STARLUX Airlines.

Premium Economy seating pitch is 40 inches with more legroom, and the seats are also specially designed with a leg rest and footrest bar, allowing passengers to causally stretch their legs without a problem.

In Economy Class, STARLUX has reduced the thickness of each seat and configured each seat into an S-shape that provides extra legroom.

The aircraft’s in-flight entertainment system in First Class seats is equipped with a 32-inch 4K screen, while Business Class can enjoy our 4K resolution with a 24-inch screen. Premium Economy and Economy Class passengers can also enjoy 4K resolution on a 15.6-inch screen or a 13-inch screen respectively. Bluetooth connectivity is available in all classes.

November 14, 2022

Air Canada Signature Class to feature amenity kits by Acqua di Parma

By Satu DahlAirlines, Amenities, FeaturedNo Comments

Air Canada has announced that, from this month, Air Canada Signature Class customers on all international flights will receive an elegant amenity kit from Acqua di Parma.

Designed to be functional and reusable amenity travel bags, the kits have elongated-shaped travel cases in Acqua di Parma’s signature yellow colour. Each kit contains luxury Acqua Di Parma bath and body products including Colonia hand cream and lip balm, an oversized eye mask, socks, dental kit, glasses cloth and 3M earplugs. The partnership between the carrier and Acqua di Parma was created by Buzz.

Guests in International Premium Economy and North America Signature Class overnight flights will also receive upgraded kits which will be provided in a functional, reusable amenity tote bag and contain an eye mask, socks and dental products. The black tote bag is made using 100% recycled material and is a useful post-flight accessory for packing personal items, shoes or shopping.

The new line of amenity kits and totes have been purposefully designed to significantly minimize single-use plastics including the elimination of plastic wrap.

“We’re delighted to present Acqua di Parma’s iconic, sophisticated and refined items to our global customers as part of Air Canada Signature Class, our end-to-end premium travel experience featuring exclusive products and services,” said Jacqueline Harkness, Senior Director – Product, at Air Canada.

Enrico Sorenti, Acqua di Parma International Sales Director said: “We are delighted to partner with a world-leading airline like Air Canada, renowned for their premium service and inflight experience. This is a collaboration of value that allows us to bring Italian warmth and refined lifestyle all over the world.”

November 14, 2022

SKY express announces collaboration with baby food company

By Satu DahlAirlines, Catering, FeaturedNo Comments

Greek carrier SKY express has announced a collaboration with leading baby food company, GERBER ® organic.

SKY express says it continues to consistently offer unique services that meet the needs of the modern traveller. The airline has revealed it will offer children delicious and healthy snacks from 12 November and for a one month period, all children aged two to five years old travelling on board the carrier will get GERBER ® organic treats such as organic cereal bites, and fruits and vegetables without added sugar, salt, preservatives and dyes.

November 11, 2022

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