Lots more legroom

From the Control Tower

A couple different plans for more legroom on board, with dramatically different drivers, lead this week's news...

Connectivity

Southwest offers free Wi-Fi on some flights to test service upgrades

No one is talking about what the new hardware really is or what the tests involve. But at least some passengers are getting free WiFi for a month.

In-Flight Entertainment

Lufthansa picks FlightPath3D for long-haul fleet maps upgrade

The in-flight moving map just got a bit more interesting for Lufthansa passengers. The carrier announced a deal with FlightPath3D to implement the 3D map solution across Lufthansa's long-haul fleet. The new service flies first on the A350, with future integrations planned on 787, 747-8i, and A330 aircraft.

Cabin Design

Shedding seats: Short-staffed short-hauler seeks schedule stability

Being short-staffed for summer schedules is not a unique problem for airlines. EasyJet's approach to addressing it, however, is rather different from the others.

Allegiant goes Extra for legroom on board

Extra leg room is coming to Allegiant. For a price.

The carrier will expand its "Allegiant Extra" offering (first trialed in 2019) significantly across the fleet.

Peek inside the Starlux A330neo

What awaits passengers on the new Starlux A330neo? The carrier recently shared photos of its new interiors, tipping some details.

Finalists selected for Crystal Cabin Awards 2022

Recognizing Innovation, Anticipating the Future: Airlines, manufacturers, suppliers and universities among 24 finalists in eight categories

Loyalty

Plusgrade to Acquire Points in an All Cash Transaction

Big transaction in the loyalty infrastructure space, with Points getting a 52% premium over its share price.

Other Industry News

A321XLR slips as Airbus prepares output boost

The A321XLR should make its first flight by the end of next month, kicking off the certification process. But Airbus now expects certification to take a bit longer than previously planned. But Airbus still plans to grow.

Alaska Airlines finds a new Architect for fare planning

Alaska Airlines is changing the way it prices tickets. The carrier's transition to ATPCO's Architect pricing tool allows it to take a more holistic view of pricing strategy rather than focusing on individual fares.

Spirit takes a pass on JetBlue’s buyout offer

Spirit Airlines sees a merger with JetBlue as unattainable. Not for lack of interest, mind you. JetBlue's cash offer of $3.6 billion still stands. But doubts around the likelihood of regulatory approval have Spirit's Board of Directors recommending that it continue to move forward with the previously planned Frontier merger instead. Assuming even that can get past regulators.

Inside Frankfurt's partially finished Terminal 3

Construction of the first pier of Frankfurt's new Terminal 3 has been completed. Yet the terminal is far from opening. Take a look inside.

May 9th 2022