Airlines

Following a strike call, Lufthansa confirms negotiations with the pilot union.

The Vereinigung Cockpit (VC) and the union will be the subject of intense time pressured collective bargaining negotiations on Tuesday. The strike call announced tonight means that today at 12:00 a decision must be made regarding the strike-related flight cancellations for Wednesday and Thursday. This is essential for staff and aircraft scheduling, as well as for giving affected passengers at least a brief heads-up.

In the event of a strike on 7 and 8 September, massive effects on Lufthansa’s flight operations are again to be expected.

At Deutsche Lufthansa AG, Michael Niggemann, the company’s labour director and chief human resources officer, said: “Although a negotiation date has been set, it is disappointing that this pay conflict has not subsided. For this strategy, we have no comprehension. We know that our pilots would much rather fly than strike, therefore taking an escalation-based approach is incorrect as well. However, despite the short moment of time, we will do every effort to be successful with an improved offer.”

After the Vereinigung Cockpit collective bargaining demand was changed last Friday as a result of a ruling by the Munich labor court, the union will present the new demand for the first time today. The previous demand for automated inflation compensation has been replaced by a demand for an annual pay increase of 8.2 percent starting in 2023 – in addition to a 5.5 percent increase this year. The union’s list of demands contains a total of 16 individual points.

Lufthansa will make an improved offer today. So far, an increase of 500 euros on 1 September 2022, and 400 euros on 1 April 2023, have been offered.

Airlines

British Airways Unveils Its Brand-New First Class Cabin for the Airbus A380

British Airways has introduced its brand-new First Class seat, blending sleek design with expert British craftsmanship. Reflecting modern British luxury travel, this new cabin is part of the airline’s Airbus A380 retrofit plans, set to take flight in mid-2026.

The updated First Class cabin has been crafted to feel like a modern luxury hotel in the sky, complete with cozy touches and thoughtful British details.

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Designed by top experts from across Great Britain and Ireland—including London, Glasgow, West Yorkshire, Kilkeel, and Dublin—the seat reflects the best of British design and quality.

Features and Comforts
The new First Class seat is ultra-wide at 36.5 inches, with a bed length of 79 inches for ultimate comfort. It includes:

A multi-purpose ottoman and stowable table.
A 32-inch 4K TV screen.
Adjustable mood lighting with modes like “relax,” “dine,” and “cinema.”
A cocooned 60-inch curved wall for privacy while maintaining a spacious feel.

Passengers traveling together can enjoy a shared experience with a sliding divider that creates a lounge-like space. The stowable tables also allow for “buddy dining,” where two people can dine together.

The cabin’s flowing curves, inspired by the iconic Concorde wings, create a welcoming and stylish environment. Additionally, passengers can now wheel their luggage directly into their personal storage space, making settling in easier.

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British Airways carefully considered customer feedback when designing this cabin. The seat includes practical storage and features like a fully rectangular bed for home-like comfort. Every detail, from usability to elegance, has been designed to enhance the travel experience.

British Airways is proud to be the only UK-based European airline offering a First Class product across the Atlantic. british airways premium economy and First Class travelers enjoy exclusive perks such as stylish seats, access to luxury lounges, fast-track security, and the First Wing at Heathrow. The airline ensures a premium experience from booking to landing.

This cabin upgrade is part of British Airways’ £7 billion investment in improving customer experiences. The airline has already introduced over 120 initiatives, including new short-haul seats, free onboard Wi-Fi messaging, and refreshed lounges worldwide.