SUM Air signs for four new ATR Aircraft

SUM Air, a regional carrier based in South Korea, has opened its wallet to purchase new ATR Aircraft. The airline has placed an order for four brand‑new ATR 72‑600 aircraft, along with four additional purchase rights, with deliveries scheduled from 2028. The agreement was signed during the France–Korea bilateral economic forum held in Seoul, attended by the French President. SUM Air commenced commercial operations in March 2026…

https://economyclassandbeyond.boardingarea.com/2026/04/03/sum-air-signs-for-four-new-atr-aircraft/?utm_source=mastodon&utm_medium=jetpack_social

Recaro Aircraft Seating showcases its first cetified “More Sustainable” seating… with Iberia

RECARO Aircraft Seating has announced an innovative trial with Iberia. Set to launch in one of the Iberia A320neo cabins this spring, passengers may recognise more sustainable seating features in their hybrid cabin equipped with R1 and R2 economy class seating. As part of a RECARO offered modification kit, 186 seats will be installed in a selected A320neo cabin for a trial…

https://economyclassandbeyond.boardingarea.com/2026/04/02/recaro-aircraft-seating-showcases-its-first-cetified-more-sustainable-seating-with-iberia/?utm_source=mastodon&utm_medium=jetpack_social

Easter Rail Travel Advice. Plan before you go!

It's fast coming up to the Easter Weekend. And as usual,  there are some major works occurring across the UK National Rail Network. Whilst the majority of the UK  rail network will be open for passengers travelling over the Easter bank holiday weekend, there are some major works going on on main lines over the break. West Coast Main Line…

https://economyclassandbeyond.boardingarea.com/2026/04/01/easter-rail-travel-advice-plan-before-you-go/?utm_source=mastodon&utm_medium=jetpack_social

Qatar Airways expands operations out of Doha

Qatar Airways is further strengthening its network, with plans to operate 120 destinations from its home hub of Hamad International Airport (Doha). This is an uplift from the previous 90 destinations, with these new operations planned until the 15th June. As usual, these services will be subject to operation through the through dedicated flight corridors, which may be subject to short-notice changes.

https://economyclassandbeyond.boardingarea.com/2026/04/01/qatar-airways-expands-operations-out-of-doha/?utm_source=mastodon&utm_medium=jetpack_social

ITA Airways joins Star Alliance

In a move surprising exactly no one, ITA Airways has formally joined Star Alliance. ITA Airways marked its entry into the Alliance during a ceremony held at the Piazza di Spagna Lounge, Rome Fiumicino Airport Terminal 3. The ceremony was presided over by ITA Airways Chief Executive Officer and General Manager Joerg Eberhart, Star Alliance Chief Executive Officer Theo Panagiotoulias, and Lufthansa Group Chief Commercial Officer Dieter…

https://economyclassandbeyond.boardingarea.com/2026/03/31/ita-airways-joins-star-alliance/?utm_source=mastodon&utm_medium=jetpack_social

Abelo signs for further ATR Aircraft

Leading turboprop lessor Abelo has confirmed that will take up three additional ATR 72-600 from options from the agreement signed at the Dubai Airshow in 2023, from ATR Aircraft. This order further strengthens Abelo’s commitment to modern, efficient regional aviation as it expands its order book. With these three additional options now exercised, Abelo has ordered 36 firm aircraft to date…

https://economyclassandbeyond.boardingarea.com/2026/03/31/abelo-signs-for-further-atr-aircraft/?utm_source=mastodon&utm_medium=jetpack_social

Air France launches London Gatwick to Paris Charles de Gaulle service

Air France has launched a new twice-daily service between Paris-Charles de Gaulle and London Gatwick. The new route is operated by an Airbus A220, strengthening Air France’s commitment to enhancing connectivity between the United Kingdom and the airline’s global network, allowing passengers from the South of England and London to easily access Paris and beyond. The two flights a day operate as…

https://economyclassandbeyond.boardingarea.com/2026/03/31/air-france-launches-london-gatwick-to-paris-charles-de-gaulle-service/?utm_source=mastodon&utm_medium=jetpack_social

Bluebox Aviation Systems launches a partnership with Tigerair Taiwan

Bluebox Aviation Systems has announced a new partnership with Tigerair Taiwan to introduce a wireless in-flight entertainment experience on its aircraft. This will be deployed across the airline’s 17 Airbus A320 aircraft, allowing passengers to experience content in the sky. The deployment will be powered by Bluebox Wow, a battery-powered portable wireless system, delivering the Blueview digital…

https://economyclassandbeyond.boardingarea.com/2026/03/30/bluebox-aviation-systems-launches-a-partnership-with-tigerair-taiwan/?utm_source=mastodon&utm_medium=jetpack_social

Lumo unveils its first Class 222 in its house colour

Lumo is working hard in the background as it prepares its Stirling to London route launch, planned for Spring 2026. To this end, the train company has unveiled its first Class 222 Trainset in its house colours. The refurbishment work is being undertaken by Alstom’s modernisation facility in Widnes, in association with Beacon Rail. The trains feature a striking new livery in Lumo’s signature blue.

https://economyclassandbeyond.boardingarea.com/2026/03/30/lumo-unveils-its-first-class-222-in-its-house-colour/?utm_source=mastodon&utm_medium=jetpack_social

Airplane Art – Air India Airbus A350-900 taking off from London Heathrow Airport

It's Sunday again, so it must be time for some more Airplane Art. This week, we have an Air India Airbus A350-900 rotating and taking off from London Heathrow Airport as it begins its journey back to India. Air India operates a fleet of six Airbus A350-900 aircraft in its widebody fleet. The airline also operates Boeing 777-200LR, Boeing 777-300ER, Boeing 787-8 and Boeing 787-9 in its…

https://economyclassandbeyond.boardingarea.com/2026/03/29/airplane-art-air-india-airbus-a350-900-taking-off-from-london-heathrow-airport/?utm_source=mastodon&utm_medium=jetpack_social