Airlines

United’s New Transcontinental Amenity Kit Features Skincare Products

Beginning today, passengers traveling United Business® on the airline’s first-class domestic transcontinental itineraries will be the first to use new amenity packages that include unique goods from the health brand Asutra, which Venus Williams supports.

Additionally, the airline unveiled new amenity kits for United First passengers flying between the continental United States and Hawaii, which include skincare products from the Hawaiian company Ua Body that will make their onboard debut later this month. Approximately 65,000 travelers receive transcontinental and Hawaii amenity packs each month from United.

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The new United premium transcontinental amenity packs, developed with Asutra, provide cruelty-free skincare products created without parabens, phthalates, or petroleum, and are intended to assist cross-country travelers relax and feel rejuvenated upon landing. An Asutra cleansing face towelette, nourishing lip balm, and hand lotion with magnesium are all included in each kit.

Additionally, mango seed butter, coconut oil, and almond oil are included to soothe, moisturize, and protect the skin while traveling. The kit also comes with a bamboo toothbrush, toothpaste, Asutra eye mask, and ear plugs to assist travellers to sleep while traveling. Everything is contained in a reusable Asutra pouch. A leaflet inside the pouch provides ideas for self-care practices, and the pouch and eye mask are produced from recyclable materials.

Christie Shinn, a local artist, created the artwork for the reusable Hawaii amenity pack pouch. In order to inspire and thrill visitors to the islands, the pouch, which is created from recycled materials, is available in four different designs that highlight the local topography.

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These new amenity packs are just the most recent change United has made to improve the experience for passengers flying in its first-class cabins. New United First seats featuring wireless charging, vegan leather upholstery, Bluetooth connectivity, privacy screens, Italian quartzite cocktail tables, and an ergonomically designed cushion were introduced by the airline last month. Additionally, United recently launched additional clubs in Newark, Chicago, and Denver, with more to come. Additionally, United recently debuted new wines in United Polaris® and revived the United Polaris Sundae Cart.

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.