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Etihad Airways issued (14-Nov-2024) a commercial waiver for passengers booked to travel from 15-Dec-2024 on Etihad services operated by Wamos Air. Passengers with unutilised tickets purchased on or before 14-Nov-2024 may request a full refund with no penalty or administration fee, while partially used ticketholders may receive a refund for the unused portion of the ticket on a prorate basis. [more - original PR]

Etihad Airways announced (13-Nov-2024) the following Etihad services will be operated by Wamos Air:

• Abu Dhabi-Manila: From 15-Dec-2024 to 31-Dec-2025;
• Abu Dhabi-Milan Malpensa: From 15-Jan-2025 to 31-Jan-2025;
• Abu Dhabi-Rome Fiumicino: From 01-Feb-2025 to 31-Dec-2025. [more - original PR]

ATR announced (13-Nov-2024) plans to focus on its current product portfolio, "following an extensive market review and in light of lingering tensions on its supply chain". The company will stop development of the ATR 42-600S short take off and landing variant, "reflecting the company's commitment to aligning operations with evolving market dynamics". ATR stated its review of market conditions, technological advancements and future projections "shows a reduced addressable market for the variant compared to the initial forecast". The company reported that the number of targeted airports in Southeast Asia requiring STOL capable aircraft "has significantly decreased, primarily because of runway extensions or the construction of nearby alternative airports, and this trend is mirrored in other key target markets". ATR added that while the changes reduce the addressable market for the ATR 42-600S, it can now operate its current product line at full capacity. The company will shift efforts towards enhancing existing product lines, advancing technological innovation and addressing emerging market demands, including "further breaking into North America" where ATR aims to replace ageing fleets of regional jets and boost point-to-point regional connections. ATR CEO Nathalie Tarnaud Laude stated: "We have identified a series of product improvements which aim at further reducing the costs of operations and increasing the availability of our aircraft. These improvements directly reflect the needs and insight shared with our customers. To achieve these goals, we are working closely with our key suppliers and have developed comprehensive action plans to drive progress on these enhancements". [more - original PR]

Iberia announced (13-Nov-2024) it will enter its new A321XLR, powered by CFM International LEAP-1A engines, into trans-Atlantic service on the Madrid-Boston route on 14-Nov-2024. The aircraft was delivered to Iberia on 30-Oct-2024, and has been operated to Paris and Stockholm as part of preparations. Iberia is the global launch customer for this aircraft model, which has a range of up to 7500km, and will take delivery of a further seven in the coming months, enabling the possibility of adding new long haul routes and increasing capacity on existing ones. The aircraft is equipped with 182 seats, comprising 14 in business class and 168 in economy. The full flat business class seats offer direct aisle access, and include an 18.5-inch screen with 4K resolution, an individual lighting system and personalised backlit seat number. The economy cabin features the RECARO 'R3' CL3810 model seats, of which Iberia is the launch customer, equipped with 12-inch 4K resolution screens. All cabins on the A321XLR allow customers to connect their own Bluetooth headphones and feature USB Type A and C charging ports. The XL luggage compartments offer up to 60% more capacity for hand luggage, while the cabin also features six different cabin lighting modes. New features in the galley include a bun warmer, a food air heater and an espresso machine. The aircraft also has four bathrooms equipped with antibacterial surfaces, motion sensor taps and pedal operated waste bins. In addition to Boston, the aircraft is also expected to initially operate to Washington DC. [more - original PR - Spanish] [more - original PR - Safran] [more - original PR - RECARO]

Lufthansa Group announced (13-Nov-2024) group airlines will offer over 12,000 weekly connections to over 300 destinations in summer 2025. New routes include the following:

• Lufthansa from Frankfurt Airport:
  • Bydgoszcz;
• Discover Airlines from Frankfurt Airport:
  • Ålesund;
• Discover Airlines from Munich Airport:
  • Windhoek;
  • Calgary;
  • Orlando;
  • Bodo;
• Austrian Airlines from Vienna International Airport:
  • Edinburgh;
  • Sylt;
  • Burgas;
  • Harstad Narvik;
• SWISS from Zurich Airport:
  • Nis;
  • Montpellier;
  • Heringsdorf;
• Edelweiss Air from Zurich Airport:
  • Halifax;
  • Seattle;
  • Calvi;
  • Terceira. [more - original PR]

Lufthansa Group announced (13-Nov-2024) plans to operate A380 equipment from Munich Airport to the following destinations in summer 2025:

• Boston;
• New York JFK;
• Washington;
• Los Angeles;
• Delhi. [more - original PR]