Frankfurt Terminal 3 Opens to Passenger Traffic

It feels like it's been under construction for some time, but there's good news: Frankfurt Airport Terminal 3 opens to commercial traffic. The new terminal was formally opened on the 22nd April, with the first flights due to begin today, 23rd April. The first flight to arrive was a China Southern Boeing 787, flight CZ8021 from Shenyang. A total of 12 arrivals and 12 departures carrying a total of about 6,000 passengers…

https://economyclassandbeyond.boardingarea.com/2026/04/23/frankfurt-terminal-3-opens-to-passenger-traffic/?utm_source=mastodon&utm_medium=jetpack_social

LATAM to launch its Airbus A321XLR with Thomspson VantageSOLO

Earlier last week, LATAM Airlines gave a preview of its upcoming Airbus A321XLR interior - focusing on the business class product.  This will feature the Thomson Vantage Solo seat, which will allow for a 1-1 layout in Business Class, with direct aisle access. The LATAM Team at Aircraft Interiors Expo is unveiling their new product By using the Vantage Solo, it will offer lie-flat seats and privacy doors, as…

https://economyclassandbeyond.boardingarea.com/2026/04/22/latam-to-launch-its-airbus-a321xlr-with-thomspson-vantagesolo/?utm_source=mastodon&utm_medium=jetpack_social

Lufthansa Group pulls over short haul 20,000 flights, with 120 daily flights cancelled

With Lufthansa Group making cuts in its operations (with the halting of Lufthansa CityLine, the parking of its CRJ-900 fleet, as well as planned widebody groundings), the capacity cuts are coming out. In total, 20,000 short-haul flights will be removed from the schedule through October, equivalent to approximately 40,000 metric tons of jet fuel, the price of which has doubled since…

https://economyclassandbeyond.boardingarea.com/2026/04/22/lufthansa-group-pulls-over-short-haul-20000-flights-with-120-daily-flights-cancelled/?utm_source=mastodon&utm_medium=jetpack_social

Vueling boosts Passenger satisfaction with help from Viasat

With Vueling still having connectivity on-wing using Viasat's European Aviation Network, there has been a big uptake with free Wi-Fi sessions and onboard entertainment. Vueling, in collaboration with Viasat, started offering the complimentary service to customers in October 2025, leveraging the European Aviation Network (EAN) and Viasat’s digital platform to provide enhanced connectivity, entertainment, and a…

https://economyclassandbeyond.boardingarea.com/2026/04/21/vueling-boosts-passenger-satisfaction-with-help-from-viasat/?utm_source=mastodon&utm_medium=jetpack_social

Ethiopian Airlines taps Boeing for further 787-9 Dreamliners

Ethiopian Airlines is exercising its held options with Boeing, with the airline ordering an additional six 787-9 Dreamliners. The options are from the airlines' options made as part of their order in 2023.  Ethiopian Airlines will use the 787-9 jets to expand its intercontinental network from Addis Ababa and increase cargo capacity as demand for long-haul travel continues to rise. Ethiopian Airlines operates…

https://economyclassandbeyond.boardingarea.com/2026/04/21/ethiopian-airlines-taps-boeing-for-further-787-9-dreamliners/?utm_source=mastodon&utm_medium=jetpack_social

TRIP REPORT: Still for the Friends – Off to Chicago with American Airlines and British Airways

Still for the Friends Off to Chicago with American Airlines and British Airways Still for the friends But first. A trip to Liverpool, North West England.  But why? To the… daytime Heathrow run? Lounging around the usual suspects AA87 London Heathrow to Chicago O’Hare HOTEL: Crowne Plaza O’Hare HOTEL: Hyatt Regency O’Hare Exploring Modern Photography at MCoP Gundam Base,…

https://economyclassandbeyond.boardingarea.com/2026/04/20/trip-report-still-for-the-friends-off-to-chicago-with-american-airlines-and-british-airways/?utm_source=mastodon&utm_medium=jetpack_social

Airplane Art - Virgin Atlantic Airbus A350-1000 loading at London Heathrow Airport

https://economyclassandbeyond.boardingarea.com/2026/04/19/airplane-art-virgin-atlantic-airbus-a350-1000-loading-at-london-heathrow-airport/?utm_source=mastodon&utm_medium=jetpack_social

Last Week at Economy Class and Beyond (18th April)

It's the Saturday after the week before, and your author has their feet up after a week on the press beat. But Saturday has come, so it's time for Last Week at Economy Class and Beyond.  Ferris Wheel at the Hamburg Dom (Frühlingsdom) - Image, Economy Class and Beyond Aircraft Interior Expo We covered a lot during the show (and there's still a little more to come, before we hit our Post-Show Coverage). Thank you all for…

https://economyclassandbeyond.boardingarea.com/2026/04/18/last-week-at-economy-class-and-beyond-18th-april-2026/?utm_source=mastodon&utm_medium=jetpack_social

AIX26: Air India taps Hughes for next generation In-Flight Connectivity

Hughes Network Systems announced that Air India has selected the Hughes In-Flight connectivity solution to deliver a consistent Wi-Fi experience using a common connectivity platform across its mixed widebody fleet. Hughes will leverage Airbus HBCplus for A350-1000 aircraft and the RAVE Aerospace solution for Boeing 787-8 and Boeing 777-300ER aircraft. The current selection applies to an initial…

https://economyclassandbeyond.boardingarea.com/2026/04/17/aix26-air-india-taps-hughes-for-next-generation-in-flight-connectivity/?utm_source=mastodon&utm_medium=jetpack_social

Qatar Airways extends its timetable through to September, with 150 destinations on the list

Qatar Airways is expanding its international flight network, with services to over 150 destinations from 16 June 2026, connecting more passengers to more of the world this summer. The updated schedule, valid until 15 September 2026, introduces new routes and increased frequencies to and from Doha, offering passengers greater flexibility as they plan for the summer season. The…

https://economyclassandbeyond.boardingarea.com/2026/04/16/qatar-airways-extends-its-timetable-through-to-september-with-150-destinations-on-the-list/?utm_source=mastodon&utm_medium=jetpack_social