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SkyTeam announced (25-Oct-2024) CSA Czech Airlines and Czech Airlines Cargo will no longer be members of the SkyTeam global airline alliance, effective 26-Oct-2024, after being a partner for more than 20 years. This is due to changes in the group's operating model that mean the airline will no longer operate scheduled passenger or cargo services under its 'OK' code. [more - original PR] [more - original PR - II]

airBaltic announced (25-Oct-2024) it will conclude ACMI operations from 27-Oct-2024. The short term wet lease solution was introduced to meet increased demand during summer and to address supply chain issues related to aircraft engine maintenance. airBaltic will return to exclusively operating its own A220-300 fleet for winter 2024/25. airBaltic CEO and president Martin Gauss commented: "Our adaptability this past summer allowed us to maintain all planned operations despite external challenges". The airline expects to receive its 49th A220-300 "soon". [more - original PR]

Emirates Airline expanded its retrofit programme to 205 aircraft in response to delivery delays (Aviation Week Network, 24-Oct-2024). The programme includes Boeing 777 and A380-800 models. Emirates initially planned for 120 aircraft to undergo refurbishments, increasing to 191 aircraft in May-2024.

Qantas Airways announced (25-Oct-2024) a multi-million dollar investment in cabin upgrades to be rolled out across the carrier's 10 A330-200 aircraft, including:

• Installing new economy seats that have been designed with "extra customer comfort" for Qantas' Project Sunrise ultra-long haul flights;
• 4K OLED 13.3" entertainment touchscreens for economy with the latest generation user interface (20% larger than the existing screen);
• USB-C fast charging and Bluetooth audio connectivity for economy which will enable users to use their own headphones.
  new mood lighting and the replacement of all curtains and carpets.

Qantas said existing Business Suites with fully flat beds will remain on the aircraft. Work on the first A330 is expected to start in mid 2025 in Qantas' Brisbane maintenance facility, with the first refurbished aircraft entering service by the end of 2024. The refurbishment programme is expected to be completed by the end of 2026. [more - original PR]

Qantas Airways announced (25-Oct-2024) it has started its international WiFi rollout across its A330 fleet. Free WiFi is expected to be available for Qantas flights on some routes in Asia on WiFi enabled A330 aircraft from Dec-2024. [more - original PR]

Japan Airlines (JAL) commenced (24-Oct-2024) deployment of A350-1000 equipment on daily Tokyo Haneda-London Heathrow JL044/043 service from 24-Oct-2024, replacing Boeing 777-300 equipment on select frequencies. JAL's A350-1000s are configured with 239 seats, comprising six first class, 54 business, 24 premium economy and 155 economy class seats. [more - original PR]