Aviation

Southwest takes delivery of first 737 Max

Southwest Airlines has become the first U.S. airline to receive Boeing’s (NYSE:BA) 737 MAX 8 aircraft, the airline announced Wednesday.

The Dallas-based low-cost carrier, which served as the launch customer for the 737 MAX 8 after announcing its order for the aircraft in December 2011, is expected to take delivery of eight more of the new jets in the “coming weeks,” which plans to use the aircraft for revenue service beginning Oct. 1.

“The 737 MAX opens a new chapter of efficiency, reliability, and comfort to the Southwest fleet, and its increased range allows us to take our low fares even farther,” Southwest Chairman and CEO Gary Kelly said in a statement.

The airline’s version of the aircraft will feature 175 seats in a single-class cabin configuration, each with a 32-inch pitch. Southwest’s 737 MAX will feature new LEAP-1B engines made by CFM International—a joint venture between GE (NYSE:GE) and France’s Safran Aircraft Engines. According to CFM, the LEAP engine improves fuel consumption by 15%, compared to the CFM56 engine, which is used by more than 550 operators worldwide.

Southwest is the largest operator of the Boeing 737, which includes the 737-300, -500, -700 and MAX, for a total of 735 jets in its fleet. Earlier this month the airline announced it had begun to retire the 300 series aircraft, the oldest flown by the company, with last flight taking place in late-September. Southwest currently has an order for 200 of the 737 MAX and by the end of 2017, expects to have a total of 14 MAX aircraft in its fleet.

So far, Boeing has more than 3,800 orders for its 737 MAX family of aircraft. While demand for the MAX 9 jet have been weak compared to its direct competitor, Airbus’ A321neo, the Seattle-based airplane maker’s latest 737 model—the MAX 10—helped it win the race for airline orders at the 2017 Paris Air Show in June. Boeing won 571 net new orders and commitments valued at $74.8 billion (list prices), while Airbus said it totaled 326. Included in Boeing’s 571 total of new orders and commitments, 147 were for the MAX 10, while 214 were for conversions to the new jet from other models.

Aviation

Qatar Airways’ AI Campaign Lets Passengers Star in Their Own Film

Doha, Qatar – Qatar Airways has introduced a groundbreaking global film, ‘AI Adventure,’ which leverages cutting-edge technology to enhance its dedication to creating unparalleled, immersive experiences for its customers.

In a pioneering move, the campaign allows viewers to star in the film using advanced AI technology that integrates their likeness into the storyline. This innovative approach underscores the airline’s commitment to placing its customers at the center of its experiences.

Qatar Airways Launches Ticket Discount Campaign for Visa Card Users

The campaign offers viewers the chance to choose from various scenes and assume leading roles within the film. The advanced AI ensures that the characters accurately reflect the viewer’s appearance, adjusting to their facial features and skin tone.

To experience the emotive AI adventure, visit flyqatar.com or watch the film on the Qatar Airways YouTube channel.

For those interested in booking a journey with Qatar Airways, the new campaign highlights the ease of making Qatar Airways reservations and Qatar Airways ticket booking.

To explore more, you can use Qatar Airways booking services or check out options with QR airlines.

Qatar Airways Group Chief Executive Officer, Engr. Badr Mohammed Al-Meer, commented: “At Qatar Airways, we aim not just to meet but to exceed customer expectations by anticipating their needs and creating deeply resonant experiences.

This new brand campaign is a testament to our commitment to delivering exceptional customer experiences.”

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Qatar Airways Chief Commercial Officer, Mr. Thierry Antinori, added: “Our latest campaign, featuring unprecedented AI capabilities in the airline industry, highlights our innovative spirit and customer-focused approach.

It transforms every journey into a unique adventure, proving that dreams have no limits.”

Qatar Airways Senior Vice President of Global Marketing & Corporate Communications, Mr. Babar Rahman, stated:

“This campaign exemplifies our vision as a leader in innovation. By offering a personalized brand experience where everyone can star, we’ve created meaningful connections with our audience, ensuring each moment is memorable.”