Airlines

AirAsia to resume Airbus A321neo deliveries in 2024 as growth returns

Malaysia’s low-cost airline AirAsia aims to start taking delivery of the 362 Airbus SE A321neos from 2024

Airbus starts A321 aircraft production in China's Tianjin

According to the chief executive of parent company Capital A Bhd, Malaysia’s low-cost airline AirAsia aims to start taking delivery of the 362 Airbus SE A321neos that are still on order in 2024 after delaying them due to the pandemic.

The airline, one of Airbus’ largest clients, had only ordered four A321neo aircraft before COVID-19 obliterated the aviation industry. Despite not having specified a commencement date at the time, it and Airbus last year decided to restructure the deal with deliveries continuing through 2035.

By taking receipt of the new Airbus A321neos in 2024, we will be able to further reduce our emissions per seat by 20% while still accelerating our company’s expansion. Tony Fernandes, the chief executive of Capital A, said in a statement late on Friday after the company reported a smaller operational deficit for the second quarter.

A return to full operations is anticipated by the second quarter of 2023, according to AirAsia Aviation Group Chief Executive Bo Lingam, who noted that as of August, 108 operating aircraft had returned to the skies. This number is anticipated to rise to 160 by the end of the year to support strong and growing consumer demand.

For the three months ending June 30, Capital A reported an operational loss of 491.3 million ringgit ($110.03 million), down from a loss of 792.2 million ringgit in the same period last year.

The business announced last month that its aircraft load factor, a gauge of the proportion of seats full, increased to 84% in the second quarter, levels similar to those prior to the pandemic. In an effort to overcome Malaysia’s stock exchange’s designation of Capital A as a financially troubled corporation, Capital A stated in June that it was considering various fundraising strategies for a planned U.S. listing.

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Airlines

Air India Rolls Out A350s for Delhi-New York JFK and Newark Routes

In a major development for North American travelers, Air India has announced the deployment of its state-of-the-art Airbus A350-900 aircraft on two key routes: Delhi to New York and Delhi to Newark.

The service on the Delhi-New York route will commence on November 1, 2024, while the Delhi-Newark route will see its inaugural flight on January 2, 2025.

The introduction of the air india a350 will bring significant enhancements to Air India’s offerings, particularly with the launch of its Premium Economy class. air india retrofit This new class will feature 24 wide seats arranged in a 2-4-2 configuration, providing passengers with extra legroom and a more comfortable flying experience.

Soon, Air India aircraft will feature onboard WiFi & all-new cabins: Click here

“We are encouraged by the positive guest feedback we have received from the domestic deployment of our air india a350 interior to offer our hero product on the Delhi-New York JFK and Delhi-Newark routes. This is a significant leap forward for our U.S. operations that also underscores our commitment to continuous improvement,” said Campbell Wilson, Chief Executive Officer & Managing Director of Air India.

The A350’s Business class will set new standards with 28 private suites, each equipped with full-flat beds, direct aisle access, and personal wardrobes. Economy class will be configured to accommodate 264 passengers in a 3-4-3 layout. Across all cabins, passengers will enjoy the latest Panasonic eX3 in-flight entertainment system, offering over 2,200 hours of content.

Air India’s First A350-900: Interior, Routes, &Inflight Features: Click here

This strategic deployment marks a notable enhancement in Air India’s U.S. operations, with 60% of its flights to the U.S. now featuring new or upgraded cabin interiors. The air india new international routes currently operates 51 weekly flights to five U.S. destinations: New York JFK, Newark, Washington DC, Chicago, and San Francisco.

The revamped cabins, advanced in-flight entertainment systems, and improved service standards represent air india wifi commitment to providing a superior travel experience. “We believe this enhanced offering will solidify Air India’s position as a leading carrier and attract travellers seeking a world-class flying experience between India and the United States,” the airline stated.

Seats on these flights are now available for booking on Air India’s website, mobile app, and through travel agents, ensuring that passengers can easily plan their journeys on these newly upgraded routes.