Airlines

Emirates to offer Premium Economy on routes to India from October

Emirates said that beginning on October 29, passengers flying to and from Mumbai and Bengaluru will have access to its renowned Premium Economy service. These two well-known Indian destinations will be served by Emirates’ newly refurbished flagship A380 aircraft, which includes the new Premium Economy seats as well as updated interiors that raise the travel experience in all other cabin classes.

Emirates will offer A380 service on flights to Bengaluru for the first time(Opens in a new browser tab)

Customers flying the Dubai-Mumbai route can reserve seats in Emirates‘ Premium Economy on EK500/501, while those flying the Dubai-Bengaluru route can reserve seats in the airline’s most recent premium economy product, featuring plush seats, more legroom, and an elevated dining experience. For travel beginning on October 29, seats can be reserved instantly through Emirates.com, Emirates sales offices, and travel agencies.

Emirates’ daily flights offering the Premium Economy experience to/ from Bengaluru and Mumbai will operate as follows:

Dates	Flight	Departure	Arrival	Aircraft type
From 29 October	EK500 (DXB/BOM)	21:50	02:15 (next day)	A380
From 29 October	EK568 (DXB/BLR)	21:25	02:30 (next day)
From 30 October	EK501 (BOM/DXB)	04:15	06:05
From 30 October	EK569 (BLR/DXB)	04:30	07:10

There are currently nine international destinations with Premium Economy service, including the US cities of New York JFK, San Francisco, and Houston as well as London Heathrow, Sydney, Auckland, Christchurch, Melbourne, and Singapore. By the end of 2023, 12 routes will be offering the unique service, including the July debut of Premium Economy cabins to Los Angeles.

Air India resumes its most popular Bengaluru & San Francisco non-stop service(Opens in a new browser tab)

Customers in all cabins can take advantage of the updated interiors, which include Emirates’ distinctive ghaf tree theme, in addition to the addition of Premium Economy on the modified aircraft. The A380 aircraft has undergone renovations and aesthetic improvements that passengers can enjoy during their flights, including a blend of lovely designs and new colour palettes that are visible throughout the aircraft, in the carpets, wall coverings, and wood finishings.

Airlines

German Carrier Lufthansa Plans for 20% Job Cuts in Administration

Lufthansa Airlines is reportedly planning significant job cuts in its administrative workforce. According to Manager Magazin, the German carrier intends to reduce administrative positions by 20% as part of its cost-cutting measures amidst an anticipated decline in earnings.

This reduction could impact approximately 400 jobs, the report revealed. While Lufthansa has not directly commented on the layoffs, the airline confirmed its goal of cutting administrative costs by 20% by 2028.

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The strategy involves leveraging digital technologies, including artificial intelligence and automation. “A hiring freeze is currently in place for administrative roles at Lufthansa Airlines,” said a company spokesperson.

The staff reduction is expected to occur through natural attrition and age-related turnover, rather than forced layoffs. The internal projection cited by the magazine warns that Lufthansa could face an operating loss of €800 million ($843.92 million) by 2026 if no corrective measures are taken.

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The report highlights the challenges companies face in aligning workforce requirements with current and future demands. Failure to adapt could necessitate drastic actions, such as restructuring and layoffs, which carry significant repercussions for both the organization and its employees.

As Lufthansa navigates these challenges, the airline appears committed to balancing cost efficiency with digital transformation to maintain its competitiveness in a rapidly evolving industry.