Qantas is set to spread holiday cheer with the unveiling of their special Christmas-themed aircraft, the QantasLink Q400 ‘Dasher-8’. This festive addition to the airline’s fleet promises to bring a touch of Christmas magic to passengers throughout the month of December.

The Q400, with the registration VH-QOW, has been affectionately christened as ‘Dasher-8’. In a creative twist, the airline’s iconic 737 will also undergo a holiday makeover, becoming ‘Roo-dolph’ for the season. This name cleverly combines the identity of Santa’s lead reindeer with a nod to Qantas’ distinctive ‘Flying Kangaroo’ tail logo.

The grand reveal took place at the QantasLink hangar at Brisbane Airport (BNE) on December 4, 2023. Dasher-8 emerged resplendent in its newly applied livery, featuring a striking design of a large red sleigh and kangaroos. Adding to the festive ambiance, Christmas carols will serenade passengers throughout the boarding process on both Dasher-8 and Roo-Dolph.

Members will now get access to exclusive pre-sales and special offers, as well as new entertainment packages that combine event tickets with flights and accommodations.

To commemorate the introduction of the relationship, Ticketek and Qantas Frequent Flyer have today published three entertainment packages, which are only available at Qantas Experiences.

• The newly announced Jerry Seinfeld Live – Third Sydney Show, Qudos Bank Arena, Sunday 16 June 2024 (including exclusive pre-sale access from 11am today)
• Australia vs West Indies Cricket Test Series, The Gabba, 25 – 29 January 2024
• Lightscape Melbourne, Royal Botanic Gardens, 14 June – 4 August 2024

According to the US Federal Aviation Administration, Boeing is seeking an exemption from certain certification standards for its 737 MAX 7 aircraft due to an issue with the engine anti-icing system.

According to an FAA notification sent on December 4, the company, which has intended to begin Max 7 deliveries next year, requested interim exemptions in November as part of its campaign to gain the type’s certification.

Boeing is working on a permanent repair. It is unknown how the issue would influence the Max 7’s certification process, but the exemption request makes it obvious that the company requires further FAA approvals.

As it worked to design adjustments to prevent overheating, the US corporation sought an exemption from certification regulations relating to “the engine nacelle inlet structure and engine anti-ice system on the Model 737-7 airplane” through May 31, 2026.

The FAA has recently authorized the MAX 10 model for flight testing with the granting of a type inspection authorization, despite the problems with the 737-7’s certification.

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A retired Boeing 747 has discovered an unexpected second act as a distinctive and alluring cafe in the bustling city of Bangkok.

Before being placed into storage in 2016, the 29-year-old jumbo jet was operated by Orient Thai Airlines. Two years later, in 2018, the carrier ceased operations. But the famous plane, known as the “queen of the skies,” has been given new life, entertaining tourists in Bangkok.

The 747 Cafe is a creative and inventive landmark situated on Luang Phaeng Road in the Lat Krabang district. A dismantled aircraft that has been converted into a cosy dining space greets guests as they enter. Clients can enjoy beverages and delicious baked goods here, taking their time while enjoying their treats in cosy window seats that provide a distinctive view of the outside world.

A trip up to the second floor reveals the once-private cockpit of pilots, for those looking for a more luxurious experience. In addition to learning about the aircraft’s extensive history, visitors can explore this iconic location and perhaps even imagine the many trips it has completed.

The 747 Cafe attracts tourists, curious locals, and aviation enthusiasts alike. It is open every day from 9 am to 6 pm. This abandoned aviation marvel never fails to captivate the imaginations of those who venture inside, adding a sense of airborne nostalgia to the vibrant tapestry of Bangkok’s culinary scene as sunlight filters through its windows.

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In an era where the world is seamlessly connected by air travel, the choice of airline and travel class can significantly influence the quality of your journey. Lufthansa, a renowned name in the aviation industry, offers passengers a range of travel experiences, with Premium Economy Classes standing out as popular choices.

As discerning travelers seek optimal comfort without breaking the bank, understanding what each class has to offer becomes paramount. In this article, we delve into the distinctive features of Lufthansa’s Premium Economy Classes, exploring the amenities, services, and overall travel experience each class provides.

The Premium Economy Class on Lufthansa offers an enjoyable and uniform experience on all of its aircraft. Travelers can experience luxury with the premium seats, which are distinguished by their substantial recline and movable headrests. Throughout the flight, passengers are guaranteed to be entertained by the large touchscreen entertainment system, which also comes with an optional remote control located on the armrest.

Check-in and Baggage Benefits

Passengers flying in premium economy enjoy twice as many checked bags as those in economy class. Traveling is made easier with two complimentary bags, each weighing up to 23 kg (50 pounds), which offer plenty of room for personal items.

Culinary Delights and Upgrade Options

A paper menu is given to passengers as they board, establishing the setting for a carefully chosen dining experience. A pre-arrival snack is provided on shorter flights, and longer flights, depending on the length of the flight, can include a hot or cold meal.

Lufthansa offers fee-based upgrades starting around $400, with options available days before departure or even at the ticket counter on the day of travel. Alternatively, frequent flyers can redeem Miles & More miles for upgrades, ranging from 20,000 to 45,000 per segment, based on the original fare paid. This comprehensive approach ensures that whether by comfort, cuisine, or flexibility, Lufthansa’s Premium Economy offers a delightful journey above the clouds.

Air India revealed plans to renovate the airline’s lounges in Delhi and New York. The airline has improved the amenities at the Delhi lounges.

Since the Tata Group entered the market, but the New York lounge—which is connected to the Priority Pass network, for New York JFK—has been the subject of debate among Western traveler communities, and most of the feedback that I’ve heard isn’t satisfactory. It is anticipated that the renovation and reconstruction will start soon.

Today, Air India announced that it has selected Hirsch Bedner Associates (HBA), a well-known interior design company for the hospitality industry, to renovate the airline’s lounges at Terminal 4 of JFK Airport in New York and Terminal 3 of Indira Gandhi International Airport in Delhi.

The lounges will be furnished with top-notch, cutting-edge features. The lounges will serve a variety of Indian and foreign dishes that are elegantly and comfortably presented. providing over 400,000 elite passengers flying with Air India with a top-notch lounge experience.

To provide its first-class, business-class, eligible FFP, and Star Alliance members with a similarly improved lounge experience, Air India is concurrently working on expanding its lounge network to other major airports in India and abroad, starting with the two lounges.

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The discovery of counterfeit parts in two of Ryanair’s aircraft engines during standard maintenance checks recently resulted in a scandal. These questionable components were discovered during inspections carried out in Texas and Brazil, according to airline CEO Michael O’Leary.

To be certified as “airworthy,” airline parts must pass stringent safety tests. Additionally, each part is supposed to be accompanied by a certificate that can be used to track down the part’s original manufacturer and inspection history.

However, the company has been accused by aviation watchdogs in the US, Europe, and the UK of selling engine parts with forged certification documents, raising safety concerns. Ryanair is the most recent airline to be involved in the scandal; allegedly, suspicious parts have already been discovered by American Airlines, Delta Air Lines, and Southwest Airlines.

Legal action has been taken against AOG Technics after it was alleged that the scandal had an impact on its CFM56 model, which holds the record for the most engines ever sold to airlines at nearly 34,000. Mr. O’Leary had requested stricter oversight of third-party jet engine suppliers. The British watchdog, the Civil Aviation Authority, has sent a safety notice to airlines stating that it is “investigating the supply of a large number of suspect unapproved parts” that may be linked to AOG Technics.

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