December Airline Update

SWISS modernising their fleet with 5 new Airbus A350-900. 

SWISS International Airlines have announced they will begin to take delivery of 5 new Airbus A350-900’s from 2025. The new aircraft will replace the airline’s 4 remaining A340-300’s in the long run and will feature an updated innovative high quality cabin interior in all seating classes. 

The A350-900 is one of the quietest and lowest emission long haul aircraft of its kind and supports SWISS’s objective to further improve their carbon emission credentials, by producing 25% less than the A340’s. 

Contact a consultant for more information on SWISS Economy Global Fare, SWISS Premium Economy Global Fare, SWISS Business Class Global Fare or SWISS First Class Global Fare.

Virgin Australia launches Cairns to Tokyo service.

Virgin Australia has announced the launch of the world’s 4th longest Boeing 737 MAX route between Cairns and Tokyo Haneda. The aircraft will feature Economy and Business Class across 170 seats. 

The daily service is now available for booking and will begin operating on June 28th 2023, offering strong competition for Jetstar’s daily service between Cairns and Tokyo Narita. 

VA77 will depart Cairns at 1:15pm and arrive in Tokyo Haneda at 8pm for a total length of 7 hours and 45 mins. The return flight VA78, departs Tokyo Haneda at 9:45pm and arrives in Cairns the following morning at 6:15am with a total length of 7 hours and 30 mins flying time. 

Etihad are bringing the A380 superjumbo back to the skies.

After grounding their 10 A380 superjumbos at the beginning of the pandemic, Etihad are finally returning 4 of the aircraft to operate the Abu Dhabi to London route from mid 2023. Previously thought to have been retired from operation, the aircraft have resumed flying due to the recent surge in travel demand. The double decker aircraft will feature 70 Business Class seats and 9 First Class Apartments along with the world’s only three room suite in the sky. ‘The Residence’ includes a dedicated bedroom, bathroom and living room for the ultimate privacy. 

United Airlines order 100 Boeing 787 Dreamliners.

United Airlines have recently ordered 100 wide body Boeing 787 Dreamliners with a future option to buy 100 more. The airline plans to take delivery of the new aircraft over an 8 year span and by 2023 will have replaced aging planes including Boeing 767’s and some Boeing 777’s with newer, more fuel efficient models.

Cathay Pacific bringing back First Class.

Cathay Pacific suspended all First Class Lounges and services in 2020 but due to the recent growth in travel demand, the airline has announced its return. While passengers have been able to enjoy the service from December 5 on flights between Hong Kong and London, the airline has since added services to Paris from January 19 2023 and Tokyo Haneda from February 1 2023. As the airline continues to add flights to its network, more routes can be expected to benefit from First Class service again in the future. 

Contact an airfare specialist to find out more about recent airline updates and book the best airline and service for your needs.