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Finnair to lease two A330 aircraft to Oneworld partner Qantas

Finnair Rolls Out Free Rescheduling Options for Passengers Amid February Strikes

In accordance with a long-term contract, Finnair will first wet lease (lease two A330 aircraft with crew) to Qantas for a period of two years, and then dry lease (lease two A330 aircraft without crew) to Qantas for a period of 2.5 years, beginning in 2025. The first aircraft will be under wet lease beginning in October 2023, and the second aircraft will be under wet lease beginning in early 2024.

The arrangement with Qantas is a component of Finnair’s relentless efforts to secure the best possible use of its A330 fleet, which has limited range when deployed in Finnair’s own long-haul operations due to the closure of Russian airspace. Following the shutdown of Russian airspace, Finnair’s fleet was optimized, and the agreement with Qantas marks its completion.

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Finnair to launch daily services from Nordic capitals to Doha in strategic partnership with Qatar Airways(Opens in a new browser tab)

The planes will be used in Qantas’ network on routes between Sydney and Bangkok as well as Sydney and Singapore throughout the wet lease period. The pilots of Finnair will fly regularly scheduled Finnair flights from Helsinki to Singapore and Helsinki to Bangkok. They will then continue flying regularly scheduled Qantas flights between Singapore, Bangkok, and Sydney before returning to Helsinki, where they are based.

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In addition to performing aircraft maintenance at the Qantas destinations, Finnair partners with offices in Singapore and Bangkok also provide the cabin crew. Finnair has acquired enough pilot personnel to support the size of its fleet, which includes the planes it has leased to Qantas. Due to their full deployment in other airlines, the Qantas agreement has no impact on the number of cabin personnel at Finnair.

Finnair Reveals Summer Schedule With 50+ European Destinations(Opens in a new browser tab)

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The partnership enables Finnair to deploy its A330 aircraft in a cost-effective and successful manner. Because flying through Russian airspace increased travel times between Finnair’s hub in Helsinki and its Asian destinations, the airline has constructed a network that is more geographically balanced after the shutdown of the Russian airspace. As part of this new strategy, Finnair has been fostering relationships with its oneworld partners, as evidenced by the deal with Qantas.

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Airlines

United Airlines Introduces Free Seat Switch: Say Goodbye to the Middle Seat

United Airlines Introduces Free Seat Switch: Say Goodbye to the Middle Seat

Are you tired of the cramped quarters and limited mobility that come with being sandwiched between two fellow passengers on an airplane?

Well, United Airlines has rolled out a game-changing solution to spare you from the agony of the middle seat. In a savvy move aimed at enhancing passenger comfort and convenience, United Airlines has unveiled a groundbreaking feature on its mobile app that allows travelers to sidestep the dreaded middle seat.

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Thanks to this innovative tool, passengers can now sign up for seat notifications, effectively giving them the power to their preferred seat and bid farewell to the discomfort of the middle spot.

But that’s not all – for those who crave extra legroom or are blessed with a taller stature, United’s new offering goes the extra mile. Passengers can now opt for coveted exit rows or bulkhead seats, renowned for their generous leg space, ensuring a more comfortable journey from takeoff to touchdown.

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What’s truly remarkable about this service is its simplicity and accessibility. Travelers can make seat selections and request notifications up to 12 hours before their scheduled departure, putting the power to customize their flying experience firmly in their hands. Whether you’re yearning for a window seat with a view or seeking refuge in an aisle seat for easy access to the restroom, United’s app has got you covered.

Here’s how it works: when booking your flight through the United app, you can specify your desired seat preference. Even if your dream seat isn’t initially available, fret not – if it opens up later, you’ll be automatically reassigned and promptly notified of the change. It’s a seamless process designed to ensure maximum comfort and satisfaction for passengers, all with just a few taps on your smartphone.

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And the best part? This game-changing service comes at no extra cost to the 3 million flyers who utilize the United app. whether you’re a frequent flier or a first-time traveler, you can enjoy the perks of this innovative feature.

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Aerospace

IndiGo to Order 100 Small Planes from Airbus, ATR, or Embraer

IndiGo to Order 100 Small Planes from Airbus, ATR, or Embraer


IndiGo, India’s leading airline, is in talks with three aircraft manufacturers to acquire a fleet of at least 100 smaller planes, aiming to bolster its regional operations, as per a report by the Economic Times.

The airline’s recent order of 30 A350 aircraft underscores its strategic focus on expanding its reach with wide-body and long-range planes, targeting increased traffic from various regions across the country.

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Now, the focus shifts to enhancing connectivity on shorter routes within India’s domestic network, tapping into the regional airline market. IndiGo is currently in discussions with ATR, Embraer, and Airbus for this purpose. With 45 ATR-72 aircraft already in operation, accommodating 78 passengers each, and five more expected this year, the airline is leaning towards ATR, although Airbus A220 and Embraer’s E-175 remain contenders.

Having established itself as a key operator of Airbus A320 aircraft, with over 450 on order for future delivery, IndiGo continues to strengthen its fleet.

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This move follows closely on the heels of the recent agreement to purchase 30 Airbus A350-900 aircraft, a significant step that will facilitate the airline’s expansion both domestically and internationally. This deal marks IndiGo’s entry into the wide-body aircraft segment, further solidifying its position in the market.

IndiGo’s strategy includes penetrating tier 1, 2, and 3 cities within India’s regional aviation market using smaller aircraft.

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As India maintains its status as the world’s fastest-growing aviation market, airlines are striving to meet the escalating demand amid challenges faced by aircraft manufacturers in meeting production targets.

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Airlines

Best and Worst Airlines in US and Canada for Customer satisfaction

The best and worst airlines in the U.S. for 2023

In the ever-evolving landscape of air travel, customer satisfaction stands as a critical benchmark, reflecting the quality of service provided by airlines.

In the latest revelation from JD Power’s esteemed 2024 North America Airline Satisfaction Study, unveiled on Wednesday, a select group of airlines has emerged as the epitome of excellence in meeting passenger expectations. Among the myriad factors influencing satisfaction, the experience at the front of the cabin holds particular significance, encapsulating premium services and amenities tailored to discerning travelers.

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As we delve into the findings of this comprehensive study, we uncover the airlines that have excelled in this domain, setting a commendable standard for others to aspire to in the realm of air travel.

Delta Airlines, boasting a commendable score of 743 out of a possible 1000 points. With a commitment to service excellence that transcends mere transportation, Delta has secured its place as a paragon of customer satisfaction. From seamless check-ins to attentive in-flight amenities, Delta’s dedication to passenger comfort is evident at every turn.

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Close to Delta’s is JetBlue Airways, garnering a respectable score of 736. Known for its customer-centric approach and vibrant in-flight experience, JetBlue continues to charm travelers with its blend of affordability and quality service. Despite the competitive landscape, JetBlue remains a formidable force in the realm of customer satisfaction.

However, not all airlines bask in the glow of acclaim. United Airlines finds itself in a middling position with a score of 698, while Alaska Airlines trails closely behind at 695. Despite their efforts, these carriers have yet to ascend to the pinnacles of customer satisfaction, facing challenges that hinder their ability to truly delight passengers.

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Further down the list, American Airlines grapples with a score of 676, highlighting areas where improvements are imperative to enhance the overall passenger experience. Meanwhile, Air Canada lags behind with a score of 629, underscoring the need for strategic measures to address customer concerns and elevate satisfaction levels.

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