Airlines

This U.S. airline offers free ‘Mickey Mouse’ goodies for kids

Alaska Airlines‘ newest, one-of-a-kind aircraft will take to the skies today, complete with a touch of fascination from everyone’s favorite chum, Mickey Mouse.

Following the unveiling of this specially decorated plane at a Seattle gate ceremony, passengers will board the inaugural flight to Orange County, Calif., to see “The Happiest Place on Earth” at Disneyland Resort in Anaheim. The famed plane, dubbed “Mickey’s Toontown Express,” is already flying on routes throughout Alaska’s network.

Have you ever received such a *cute* welcome when boarding an aircraft? 😍✈️

By @BDFphotography @AlaskaAir @AlaskaAirNews @Disneyland #Disneyland pic.twitter.com/CKO3tf5vfo— Airways Magazine (@airwaysmagazine) November 1, 2023

The Boeing 737-800, tail number 565AS, is Alaska Airlines‘ ninth livery in conjunction with Disneyland Resort, featuring amusing pictures of Mickey Mouse and Minnie Mouse, as well as their companions Goofy, Pluto, Donald Duck, and Daisy Duck in Mickey’s Toontown at Disneyland Park.

It took artists over 400 hours and 20 days to hand-paint the brilliantly colored aircraft exterior from nose to tail for the unusual design, which even incorporates Chip ‘n’ Dale on the boarding doors and winglets.

Alaska Airlines and Disney sent a number of families and special guests on the inaugural flight to experience Alaska’s everyday level of care before leaving for Orange County, knowing the joy the Disneyland Resort-themed planes can bring to families.

This included priority boarding for families with children under two, family seating at no additional cost, colouring books, and the well-liked Kids’ Choice Picnic Pack and Jetsetter’s Jam Sandwich for guests flying in Premium and Main Cabins. While supplies last, the “Mickey’s Toontown Express” aircraft will have activity books and snack packs featuring Mickey Mouse and friends on board.

The animated neighborhood Mickey’s Toontown in Disneyland Park serves as the inspiration for the plane’s exterior artwork. It is a whimsical and reimagined place where families can explore, play, discover, and unwind together while enjoying new interactive experiences, beloved favorites, and the recently opened Mickey & Minnie’s Runaway Railway.

Airlines

KLM Begins Testing Self Driving Crew Buses at Schiphol Airport

In a significant step towards modernizing airport operations, Schiphol Airport has launched the second phase of its trial for electric self-driving buses.

This initiative, in collaboration with KLM Cityhopper and KLM Ground Services, is aimed at enhancing efficiency and sustainability at one of Europe’s busiest airports. Following a successful initial trial with the self-driving buses from supplier Ohmio, the new phase is now underway.

This phase focuses on deploying the autonomous buses on a fixed, pre-programmed route that connects the apron to the terminal. The primary users of this service are the KLM Cityhopper crew, who will benefit from a streamlined shuttle between their aircraft and the terminal. best cabin crew skytrax

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The trial’s first phase centered on assessing the technical capabilities and user-friendliness of the buses. Now, the focus shifts to the apron—a bustling area characterized by high activity levels, including aircraft movements and ground handling operations. The autonomous buses will navigate this complex environment multiple times a day, ferrying KLM Cityhopper crew from Apron A to the terminal.

Equipped with advanced sensors, cameras, and GPS, the buses are designed to handle the dynamic conditions of the apron. They feature LIDAR technology, providing a comprehensive 360-degree view that enables them to detect and avoid obstacles up to 30 meters away. This cutting-edge technology ensures safe and efficient operation in the busy airport setting.

Schiphol Airport is committed to becoming one of the world’s most sustainable and high-quality airports by 2050. A core component of this vision is the transition to a fleet of autonomous, zero-emission vehicles.

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This shift is part of a broader strategy to automate ground operations while maintaining a vital human presence in a supervisory role. By doing so, Schiphol aims to reduce emissions and enhance the overall efficiency of its operations.

The integration of self-driving buses into the airport’s daily operations represents a major milestone in achieving these sustainability goals. As the trial progresses, Schiphol, KLM Cityhopper, and KLM Ground Services will continue to evaluate and refine the technology, paving the way for a more automated and environmentally friendly future in aviation ground services.