Airlines

United and Jaguar Launch the First All-Electric Gate-to-Gate Airport Transfer Service in the U.S.

The first gate-to-gate airport transfer service in the United States using an all-electric fleet was introduced today by United Airlines and Jaguar North America. Select MileagePlus Premier members will be able to take chauffeured transfers in the 2023 Jaguar I-PACE HSE, the company’s first all-electric sports SUV, beginning this month at Chicago O’Hare International Airport.

By the end of the year, the vehicles will be in use at United hubs in Denver, Houston, Newark/New York, Washington, D.C., San Francisco, and Los Angeles. These SUVs are anticipated to move more than 1,000 United clients every day and make an estimated 60 trips per day.

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United’s ground transfer service is a surprise benefit for select Premier MileagePlus members with tight connections at the air carrier’s U.S. hub airports. A member learns of the surprise upon landing at the airport, where they’re greeted by a specialized Premier Services agent who shows the customer to the vehicle on the tarmac and accompanies them to their connecting flight.

On the tarmac, United customers will experience the award-winning, spacious, all-electric performance SUV that combines a supercar silhouette with the flexibility of an EPA estimated electric range of up to 246 miles1 and five-seat SUV versatility. Every 2023 I-PACE features Amazon Alexa6 connectivity that delivers a suite of enhancements to its infotainment interface and Wireless Device Charging.

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The I-PACE now comes with an 11kW onboard charger as standard.2 Connecting to a 100-kW DC charger can replenish up to 63 miles of range in 15 minutes. All-wheel drive performance from twin Jaguar-designed concentric motors delivers a combined 394hp and 512 lb-ft of torque providing 0-60mph acceleration in 4.5 seconds.3 And thanks to its aluminum construction and low center of gravity, the Jaguar I-PACE offers an unrivalled balance of all-wheel drive performance,4 refinement, luxury, and sustainability.

The 2023 Jaguar I-PACE is on sale now in the U.S., priced from $71,3005. Through December 31, 2022, United MileagePlus members can earn 50,000 miles through the purchase or lease a new Jaguar vehicle.

Related Topics:Airport Jaguar U.S.United

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.