Economy Class & Beyond

Cathay Pacific to order 14 Boeing 777-9

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Boeing and Cathay Pacific announced the Hong Kong-based carrier is ordering 14 more Boeing 777-9 passenger jets, bringing its order book to 35 of the type. With 14 aircraft ordered from Boeing, it marks the first time in 12 years the company has won an order from Cathay Pacific. In addition to the exercised options, the airline has secured seven purchase rights for … [Read more...]

These are not the droids you are looking for – ANA to withdraw its Star Wars “Droid” fleet

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Sometimes in the air, a special livery can brighten a day a lot when travelling.  Sadly, it seems ANA (All Nippon Airways) is nearing the end of its relationship with Star Wars, as the Boeing 777-300ER painted to resemble the best of all droids - R2-D2 - is set for its final flight. R2-D2 will have its final set of flights, operating on 6th August. It will operate as … [Read more...]

Alaska Airlines rebrands, as it looks to long haul travel

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It's time for a new livery, with Alaska Airlines unveiling its paintwork for its long-haul operations. As the airline expands to new markets in Asia and Europe from Seattle, they are introducing this livery on its Boeing 787-9 aircraft. The 787-9s with the new livery debut in January 2026. By spring, all Dreamliners in the airline's fleet are scheduled to showcase the … [Read more...]

Korean Air launches Premium Class on retrofitted Boeing 777-300ER fleet

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Refits offer the chance for new products. In the case of Koren Air, its  chance to add Premium Economy to its offerings. This has been introduced to the airlines' newly retrofitted Boeing 777-300ER, with the first flights launching on short- and mid-haul routes starting from mid-September,  as part of a KRW 300 billion retrofit program. The retrofit covers 11 11 … [Read more...]

Emirates to add a fourth daily service between Dubai and London Gatwick

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For those in the south of England who require connectivity to Dubai and beyond, Emirates is increasing capacity on the Dubai-London Gatwick route with the introduction of a fourth daily service. This fourth daily flight between Dubai and London Gatwick will commence on 8 February 2026, operating daily. Planned operations for this service are: EK069 DEPART DXB 17:05 … [Read more...]

Airplane Art – Finnair Airbus A330-300 arriving at Stockholm Arlanda

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It's Sunday again, so it must be time for some more Airplane Art. This week, we have a Finnair Airbus A330-300 arriving at Stockholm Arlanda Airport, as it completes another long-haul leg. Finair operate a fleet of eight Airbus A330-300 aircraft in its widebody fleet. They support the Airbus A350-900 fleet, which connects Finnair to North America, the Middle East and … [Read more...]

Last Week at Economy Class and Beyond (2nd August)

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How have seven months flown by? Nonetheless, we're now into the beginning of August, as well as at the end of a week. It must be time for Last Week at Economy Class and Beyond. Bulls in Grand Central - part of the Bulls in the City campaign The Business of Aviation Heathrow Airport unveils its grand expansion plan - Although I'm sure a management consultant will … [Read more...]

Heathrow Airport unveils its grand expansion plan.

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It's that time again - with Heathrow Airport unveiling what it calls a "shovel-ready" proposal for a third runway as well as the expansion of the Heathrow Airport Campus. The grand vision for the "new" Heathrow - Image, Heathrow Airport  The blueprint submitted to the UK Government today includes: A north-western runway up to 3,500m – a design that already has … [Read more...]

Vueling to switch to Boeing 737 MAX aircraft

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International Airlines Group announced its first-half results today. Buried in the release was one line - and it tells where the ordered Boeing 737 MAXs are going. In the Q2 report, IAG confirmed it has allocated its order for 50 Boeing 737s to Vueling. These are scheduled to be delivered from late 2026. Vueling currently operates an all-Airbus fleet, with six A319, … [Read more...]