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

Aer Lingus activates its first Starlink-connected aircraft

IAG Airline Aer Lingus has followed British Airways and has introduced flights operating with Starlink connectivity. Flight EI105, which departed on the 29th March, operating the Dublin to New York JFK route are the first to experience the new connectivity technology, which enables customers in every cabin to seamlessly access free, fast, reliable internet for streaming, working, gaming, and staying connected.

https://economyclassandbeyond.boardingarea.com/2026/03/29/aer-lingus-activates-its-first-starlink-connected-aircraft/?utm_source=mastodon&utm_medium=jetpack_social

Last Week at Economy Class and Beyond (28th March)

We're coming to the end of March, and for those of us in Europe, the clocks go forward tonight (so, one hour less in bed). But things go on as usual here, so it's time for Last Week at Economy Class and Beyond. Mentally, I'm here still. Physically, I'm in the coffee shop, still trying to wake up at the time of writing - Cloud Gate, Millennium Park, Chicago. 

https://economyclassandbeyond.boardingarea.com/2026/03/28/last-week-at-economy-class-and-beyond-28th-march-2026/?utm_source=mastodon&utm_medium=jetpack_social

Singapore Airlines to launch Western Sydney Airport International Service

Supporting the launch of commercial services at Western Sydney  (Nancy-Bird Walton) Airport, Singapore Airlines will launch a daily service in November 2026. The new service will commence on 23rd November 2026, using its Airbus A350-900 medium-haul aircraft, which features 303 seats in two cabin classes: 40 in Business Class and 263 in Economy Class. Planned operations over the first two seasons…

https://economyclassandbeyond.boardingarea.com/2026/03/27/singapore-airlines-to-launch-western-sydney-airport-international-service/?utm_source=mastodon&utm_medium=jetpack_social

Qatar Airways sets out its operations for the next few weeks

As we head into the Spring Break/Easter Holiday period, Qatar Airways is attempting to stabilise its operations, with the airline publishing its latest revised schedule, reflecting the gradual increase in flights to and from Doha. The latest update, valid until 15 April 2026, provides additional frequencies to more than 90 destinations across Qatar Airways’ global network. The airline is planning to operate…

https://economyclassandbeyond.boardingarea.com/2026/03/26/qatar-airways-sets-out-its-operations-for-the-next-few-weeks/?utm_source=mastodon&utm_medium=jetpack_social