Aviation

PICTURE: Qatar reveals new economy seat and more destinations

DOHA, Qatar – Qatar Airways concluded a spectacular week at this year’s ITB Berlin, at which the airline revealed seven new destinations to be added to its global route network in 2019, in addition to unveiling a newly enhanced Economy Class product to hundreds of trade and industry representatives as well as members of the international media.

At a packed press conference on the opening day of ITB, Qatar Airways Group Chief Executive, His Excellency Mr. Akbar Al Baker, announced an array of forthcoming global destinations the airline will launch in 2019, including Lisbon, Portugal; Malta; Rabat, Morocco; Langkawi, Malaysia; Davao, Philippines; Izmir, Turkey and Mogadishu, Somalia.

Also on the opening day of the exhibition, Qatar Airways revealed its new Economy Class experience, featuring a world-class seat with an innovative 19-degree recline system, additional legroom, dual trays, 13.3-inch 4 K widescreens and type ‘C’ fast charging USB port. The airline’s new in-flight dining experience ‘Quisine’, redefines Economy Class service, with all new retail-style tableware, a menu offering more choices, 25 per cent larger main courses, 20 per cent larger appetisers, and 50 per cent larger desserts.

Qatar Airways Group Chief Executive, His Excellency Mr. Akbar Al Baker, said: “We have enjoyed a tremendously successful week in Berlin, and are particularly excited to announce these many new additions to our global route network. These new European, Asian and African gateways will offer both our business and leisure travellers even greater choice and flexibility, and clearly demonstrate that Qatar Airways is moving forward with its robust growth plans.

Qatar Airways’ new Economy Class proposition sees a significant increase in rotable, recyclable and biodegradable products and reduction in single-use plastic. Economy Class passengers will also be able to enjoy improved connectivity, including up to 10 times faster broadband, as well as more than 4,000 entertainment options on Qatar Airways’ Oryx One in-flight entertainment system.

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Aviation

China Eastern Receives Its Ninth C919 Aircraft, Marking a New Milestone

China Eastern Airlines (CEA) has reached a significant milestone with the delivery of its ninth COMAC C919 aircraft, continuing its lead as the launch customer for China’s domestic narrow-body airliner.

On Thursday, the airline received the latest addition to its fleet, registered as B-657T, marking another step in China’s ambitious efforts to establish itself as a key player in the global aerospace market.

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This delivery is part of a major achievement for COMAC (Commercial Aircraft Corporation of China), which has now delivered a total of 10 comac c919 in 2024 alone, a remarkable increase from just three jets delivered by the end of 2023.

The C919 program represents China’s entry into the competitive market for commercial aircraft, aiming to rival the dominance of manufacturers like Airbus and Boeing in the narrow-body sector.

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One standout feature of the c919 is its innovative in-flight technology, particularly its Wi-Fi system. Developed by the China Electronics Technology Group Corporation (CETC), this system allows passengers to connect to the “CEAIR-WIFI” wireless hotspot, providing seamless access to in-flight entertainment.

Through the website www.muflyer.com, travelers can enjoy a range of features including “Air Cinema” and “Air Games,” which enhance the flying experience.

Looking ahead, COMAC’s ambitions are not limited to narrow-body aircraft. At the 15th China International Aviation and Aerospace Exhibition in Zhuhai, c919 aircraft price made waves with the announcement of over 100 new aircraft orders.

A significant highlight was a high-profile agreement with Air China for the development of the C929, a widebody aircraft set to compete c919 vs a320 and c919 vs 737 with these models.