Airlines

Qatar Airways partners with Xiamen Airlines to enhance China-Qatar Connectivity

Qatar Airways is excited to announce a new codeshare agreement with Xiamen Airlines, the first Chinese airline to offer nonstop passenger flights from Mainland China to Qatar. Xiamen Airlines will begin daily flights between Beijing’s Daxing International Airport and Hamad International Airport, the home of Qatar Airways and its sophisticated and state-of-the-art Boeing 787-9 aircraft, under the terms of the partnership agreement.’

The flights, which will start on October 20, 2023, will arrive in Doha at 22:45 and depart at 02:00, giving customers the best connections to important markets outside of Doha, including the Middle East, Africa, and Europe, through Qatar Airways’ extensive global network.

Xiamen Airlines switches to Airbus A320neo Family to boost fleet(Opens in a new browser tab)

Along with the flights from Beijing, Xiamen Airlines will begin operating two weekly flights to Doha from the special economic zone of Fujian Sheng province’s Xiamen. Beginning on October 31, 2023, the flights offer the same seamless access to Qatar Airways’ network as the Beijing flights, arriving in Doha from Xiamen at 5:00 in the morning and leaving that same city in the evening at 19:30.

In order to increase its footprint in Mainland China, which currently consists of 6 destinations served by a total of 31 weekly flights operated by Qatar Airways, along with double-daily flights to Hong Kong, the airline will codeshare on these new flights. As part of the new deal, Qatar Airways will fly flights to and from Beijing with Xiamen Airlines’ marketing code.

All-Boeing operator Xiamen Airlines takes delivery of its first A321neo(Opens in a new browser tab)

The new direct services from Beijing to Doha will be operated by a Boeing 787-9 that features a two-class configuration for 287 passengers, with 30 Business class seats and 257 in Economy class. The Xiamen-Doha-Xiamen service operated by a Boeing 787-8 will accommodate 237 passengers in three classes with 4 seats in First class, 18 in Business class and 215 in Economy class.

Related Topics:Qatar airways Xiamen airlines

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Airlines

Cathay Pacific asks business class customers to bring their own cutlery

In an innovative move towards sustainability, renowned Hong Kong carrier Cathay Pacific has recently floated an unconventional idea to its business class customers.

Bringing their own cutlery sets onboard. This initiative, revealed through a member survey circulated within the airline’s “Cathay Lab” community – a platform comprising frequent business class travelers – has stirred a wave of curiosity within the aviation industry.

With sustainability becoming an increasing concern in aviation, Cathay Pacific’s survey aimed to gauge passengers‘ willingness to partake in various eco-friendly practices during their journeys.

Among the initiatives presented, including refilling reusable water bottles and recycling plastic, the prospect of bringing personal cutlery garnered significant attention. Some members expressed practical concerns, questioning the feasibility of carrying cutlery through airport security and the potential inconvenience for passengers unaware of regulations.

Others suggested that Cathay Pacific should simply provide reusable cutlery onboard instead. Furthermore, there were suspicions among some respondents that the BYO cutlery proposal might be a precursor to introducing additional charges, with one user humorously envisioning a scenario where the airline lends cutlery sets for a fee.

Despite the skepticism surrounding the proposal, Cathay Pacific’s exploration of innovative sustainability measures reflects a broader industry trend towards environmental consciousness.

Airlines

Air India and IndiGo’s Joint Initiative, Plans for 170 Wide-Body Aircraft

In a bold move that underscores their confidence in India’s burgeoning aviation sector, Air India and IndiGo have revealed ambitious plans to acquire a combined total of up to 170 wide-body aircraft.

This strategic investment marks a significant shift in the country’s aviation landscape, as it brings European aircraft manufacturer Airbus into a domain traditionally dominated by American giant Boeing.

With India positioned as one of the world’s fastest-growing aviation markets, the timing couldn’t be more opportune for such expansion endeavors. The aim is clear: to elevate India’s status as a global aviation hub by enhancing connectivity through direct flights between Indian cities and international destinations.

Currently, a substantial portion of India’s international air traffic relies on overseas hubs, particularly in the Gulf region. IndiGo’s announcement of firm orders for 30 A350-900 aircraft, with an option for an additional 70, signals its commitment to capturing a larger share of the long-haul market.

Meanwhile, Air India’s comprehensive order, unveiled last year, encompasses 70 wide-body planes, including a mix of A350 and Boeing 787 models.

Recognizing the potential for disruption in the long and ultra-long haul segments, aviation consultancy CAPA India has emphasized the pivotal role Indian carriers can play in driving innovation and transformation.

With the current combined fleet size of Indian airlines exceeding 700 aircraft, the stage is set for Air India and IndiGo to spearhead a new era of growth and connectivity in the Indian aviation sector.

Airlines

Air China Makes Landmark Deal: Orders 100 C919 Jets from COMAC

In a strategic move that could reshape China’s aviation industry, Air China has inked a monumental deal with Comac, signaling a significant shift in the nation’s commercial aircraft procurement landscape.

The agreement, valued at a staggering $10.8 billion based on list prices, entails the purchase of 100 Comac C919 jets, a resounding endorsement of the homegrown challenger to aerospace giants Airbus and Boeing.

The announcement, disclosed in a filing by Air China, underscores the airline’s commitment to bolstering its fleet with domestically manufactured aircraft. These C919 jets, slated for delivery between 2024 and 2031, are poised to amplify Air China’s operational capabilities and enhance its competitive stance in the global aviation arena.

The C919, a formidable competitor to Boeing’s 737 Max and Airbus’s A320neo, symbolizes China’s ambitious foray into the global aviation market. With Air China’s commitment to acquiring a substantial fleet of C919s, the aircraft is poised to carve out a formidable niche in the industry, challenging the dominance of established players.

Notably, Air China‘s existing fleet comprises an extensive array of Airbus and Boeing aircraft, showcasing its diverse operational portfolio.

With nearly 500 airplanes in service, including models from the A320 family and the 737 series, Air China’s decision to incorporate the C919 into its fleet underscores a strategic diversification strategy.

While Airbus has enjoyed notable success in China, buoyed by its local assembly line, Boeing has faced formidable challenges in recent years. However, Air China’s resolute investment in the C919 signals a paradigm shift, amplifying China’s quest for self-sufficiency in aviation.