Follow Aeronews on Facebook, Twitter, LinkedIn and TikTok

The electric privacy divider extends to the full height of the seat – the first feature of its kind in Premium Economy cabins worldwide. Emirates Premium Economy seats are a comfortable 20” wide, and seat pitch is up to 39” on the A350. Seats also recline into a cradle position without intruding on the row behind, so that customers can comfortably sleep and relax inflight.

Ergonomic comfort

Comfort has been further enhanced with the introduction of Emirates’ widely acclaimed U-Dream headrest by Safran Seats. Crafted in leather, the redesigned headrest provides exceptional neck and head support, allowing passengers to adjust the wings into multiple positions for personalised comfort. A manually deployable leather footrest offers additional relaxation and reduces leg fatigue.

Always-on power for customer devices

Wireless charging is also being introduced to Premium Economy for the first time, allowing customers to conveniently power compatible devices throughout the flight. Every seat also includes USB-C charging and a practical tray table with an integrated phone holder, transforming personal devices into a convenient second screen during meals or entertainment.

Inflight entertainment and new aircraft cameras

Customers can also enjoy Emirates’ award-winning ice inflight entertainment on a 13.3-inch 4K HDR touchscreen, delivering stunning picture quality with ultra-responsive navigation. On newly delivered Airbus A350 aircraft, passengers will also enjoy enhanced aircraft camera views, with new left and right exterior perspectives joining the existing forward and downward cameras to provide an even more immersive inflight experience.

Follow Aeronews on Facebook, Twitter, LinkedIn and TikTok

With the Boeing 777-300ER (20 jets in the fleet), American offers more opportunities for customers to travel in premium classes than ever before with 144 premium seats from which to choose. The newly retrofitted aircraft boasts 70 Flagship Suite seats with privacy doors, more personal storage space and a unique chaise lounge seating position. It also features 44 Premium Economy seats, redesigned with sculpted headrests, adjustable calf and foot rests and enhanced storage, plus 30 extra legroom seats in Main Cabin Extra.

The new interiors on the Boeing 777-300ER bring together cabin design elements introduced on the premium-configured Boeing 787-9 and Airbus A321XLR that debuted last year. AAdvantage members can stream, work and stay connected from gate-to-gate as every Boeing 777-300ER will be equipped with free high-speed inflight Wi-Fi, sponsored by AT&T.

As American rolls out its Flagship Suite product, Flagship First will no longer be available for purchase on Boeing 777-300ER aircraft for travel beginning November 19th. And with more Airbus A321XLR aircraft entering American’s fleet, Flagship First will no longer be available for purchase on transcontinental routes for travel beginning March 28th 2027.

Follow Aeronews on Facebook, Twitter, LinkedIn and TikTok

The new lounge is operated in partnership with Global Lounge Network. Open daily from 5:00 a.m. to 9:30 p.m., it welcomes eligible Air France Business customers and Flying Blue Elite Plus members, as well as eligible KLM and SkyTeam alliance customers.

Designed by Air France teams in collaboration with the MARKS Brandimage agency, the bright and spacious lounge offers panoramic views of the airport runways. Covering nearly 500 square metres, it features close to 120 seats. The space embodies the airline’s distinctive identity through carefully curated design elements, including the Air France logo, its iconic winged seahorse, the airline’s historic symbol, and a selection of vintage posters celebrating the richness of its heritage.

At the heart of the lounge, the dining area offers a welcoming culinary experience centered around traditional French cuisine. Designed as an open space where the kitchen naturally blends into the dining area, it accommodates nearly 50 guests.

Follow Aeronews on Facebook, Twitter, LinkedIn and TikTok

As part of the Easy Connect programme, international travellers from Ahmedabad can complete through check-in to their final destinations, clear immigration formalities at Ahmedabad airport, and enjoy seamless transfers through Delhi without having to re-check baggage or change terminals.

This enables travellers to fly via Delhi as international transit passengers, avoiding repeated procedures and making international travel significantly simpler and more convenient. By connecting through an Indian hub rather than a foreign airport, travellers can enjoy a more familiar and seamless transit experience.

Air India has designated the following two daily flights from Ahmedabad to Delhi as ‘Easy Connect’ services:

– AI1121, departing Ahmedabad at 08:15 PM and arriving in Delhi at 10:00 PM
– AI1117, departing Ahmedabad at 08:25 AM and arriving in Delhi at 10:15 AM

Together, these flights provide seamless onward connectivity to 26 international destinations within four hours of arrival in Delhi, including destinations across the US, Canada, the UK, Europe, Australia, Asia Pacific, Southeast Asia and the Gulf.

Follow Aeronews on Facebook, Twitter, LinkedIn and TikTok

As the largest business jet equipped with Garmin Emergency Autoland, the Phenom 300EV can execute a fully automated landing in the unlikely event of pilot incapacitation. Enabling these electronically controlled functions, including autobrake and rudder-by-wire, Embraer designed and developed the Multi-Purpose Electronic Controller (MEC), contributing to enhanced handling, reduced workload and simplified maintenance.

With a best-in-class range, increased to 2,055 nautical miles (3,806 km), carrying four passengers with NBAA IFR reserves, the Phenom 300EV enables nonstop regional flights, including routes such as Aspen to New York, Dubai to the Maldives, and São Paulo to Manaus.

Complementing this performance capability, the aircraft has an increased payload capability and features cabin refinements including a state-of-the-art line-fit connectivity solution powered by Gogo Galileo’s Low Earth Orbit (LEO) satellite network, delivering high-speed global connection. Starlink connectivity will also be available as an aftermarket solution via a Supplemental Type Certificate (STC).

Follow Aeronews on Facebook, Twitter, LinkedIn and TikTok

Instead of repeatedly checking the app to see if seats open up on earlier flights, United automatically monitors availability behind the scenes and sends a text notification when a seat becomes available.

More than 3.4 million people are expected to fly United between September 3-8 – about 300,000 more than last year. More than 85% of United customers use the airline’s award-winning mobile app on the day they travel, making digital tools an increasingly important part of how customers manage disruptions and navigate their journey.

Customers can use the new feature as follows:

• Add yourself to the standby list on up to three earlier flights.
• Sit back while United automatically monitors those flights for available seats.
• Get a text when a seat becomes available and choose whether to switch to the earlier flight – while keeping your existing confirmed reservation until you decide.

Follow Aeronews on Facebook, Twitter, LinkedIn and TikTok

Every meaningful journey begins when someone chooses to go beyond. Beyond Borders is inspired by a universal truth: the moments that shape us most often begin with a single act of courage in pursuit of something greater. Where you come from is only half the story. Where you’re going carries endless possibility, and there is no limit to where that journey can take you next.

The belief that true ambition demands courage is one Etihad advocates and encourages. It is the same belief that turned Abu Dhabi into a global nucleus of possibilities, and the same belief that has carried Etihad to become the world’s fastest-growing airline in just over two decades. For Etihad, Beyond Borders is about ambition and human potential.

Antonoaldo Neves, Chief Executive Officer of Etihad Airways, said: “Beyond Borders is a new chapter for Etihad. Every route we fly, every guest we carry and every partnership we build reflects the same ambition that Abu Dhabi was built from. This city gave us an identity, a purpose, and a reason to reach further, and everything we’ve built as an airline over the past 23 years reflects that.

“For every guest who flies with us, we believe that some journeys take you beyond the destination, and we’re here to help you make that journey. This philosophy is shaping how we grow. Beyond Borders is the lens we look through at the start of every journey and the attitude we use to break through every barrier; where others stop at the border, we go beyond it.”

Follow Aeronews on Facebook, Twitter, LinkedIn and TikTok

As part of the planned replacement of Dock A at Zurich Airport, Swiss International Air Lines (SWISS) will relocate its SWISS Business and Senator Lounges from Dock A to a newly constructed building on the southern side of Dock B. Each of the two lounges will occupy an entire floor. Together, they will offer around 2,600 square meters of space, approximately 20 percent more than the current lounges.

The new lounges will feature spacious seating areas with an open layout and plenty of natural light thanks to a fully glazed window front. Guests will benefit from more opportunities to relax and work, a quiet and high-quality lounge experience, and unique panoramic views of the apron, runways and the Alps. Once the new lounges open in the first quarter of 2027, the existing SWISS Business and Senator Lounges as well as the SWISS Alpine Lounge in Dock A will close.

The new lounges will offer eligible travelers even more space and comfort. Both areas will feature additional seating and around 20 fully soundproofed workstations in total. In the SWISS Senator Lounge, a bar directly along the window front will provide a 180-degree view of Runway 34, the apron and the mountains. A wine humidor and a dedicated maturation room for selected cheeses and cured meats will complement the offering. The bus gates will be located directly below the lounge building. For some guests, this will shorten the distance to the boarding gates.

Due to the upcoming modernization work at the airport, SWISS also expects to relocate its SWISS First and HON Circle Lounge from Dock A to Dock B in 2028.

Follow Aeronews on Facebook, Twitter, LinkedIn and TikTok

Her journey is built on more than two decades in the skies. Captain Huda joined the aviation industry in 2003 and Etihad Airways in 2014, rising from First Officer to Captain in 2023 before qualifying as a Type Rating Instructor in 2026. She holds a current type rating on the Boeing 787 and has accumulated more than 10,000 flying hours, having previously flown the Airbus A330, A340 and Boeing 777. She also holds a Bachelor’s degree in Aviation Management and a Master’s degree in Business Management and Information Systems.

Captain Huda Al Musallami: “Being the first means stepping forward before there is a path to follow. When there is no map, you learn to navigate with purpose, to turn challenges into strength, and to keep moving towards what once seemed beyond reach. That is the spirit the UAE has instilled in us: a nation that has never waited for the future, but has always had the courage to shape it. For me, being first was never about the title. It is about making sure I am not the last, and opening the way for more Emirati women to rise, excel and go even further.”

In the training environment, Captain Huda now prepares and qualifies the next generation of pilots, a role she describes as both a professional and a national duty. In the first months of her new role, she has trained pilots of different nationalities and experience levels, and with every pilot she trains, her own journey becomes a path for others to follow. Captain Huda’s milestone makes her the first Emirati woman entrusted with training and qualifying pilots to the highest standards of safety and professionalism.

Follow Aeronews on Facebook, Twitter, LinkedIn and TikTok

American will be the only U.S. airline serving VIE, expanding the airline’s Central European network that grew in 2026 to also include Prague (PRG) and Budapest, Hungary (BUD). Vienna is an iconic city with spectacular palaces, museums, classical music experiences and outdoor activities, making it a must-visit destination. American will offer an extended season between PHL and VIE, flying through early January 2028, making it easier than ever to visit magical European Christmas markets.

Earlier this year, American announced intentions to serve OPO in 2027. With the nearby Douro Valley’s stunning natural scenes complementing beautiful blue-and-white azulejos tiles and the unique charm of Porto, customers can start planning that long-awaited Portuguese getaway.

In addition to new destinations, American will also expand its network with more new routes to Europe. From New York (JFK), customers will have nonstop access to Amsterdam (AMS) and Nice, France (NCE).

Amsterdam is a time-tested vacation destination in Europe. American’s service from JFK will complement existing seasonal flights to AMS from Dallas-Fort Worth (DFW) and year-round flights from PHL. Known for more than 60 miles of canals, world-class museums and vibrant ambiance, it is no surprise the city is one of the most popular summer destinations. Plus, no trip to Amsterdam is complete without enjoying delectable stroopwafels and truffle fries.

For travelers looking for European beaches, American will connect the Big Apple with the French Riviera via NCE in 2027. This magnificent region has enthralled travelers with its sparkling blue waters, charming cities and nearby lavender fields.

Barcelona (BCN) is one of the most sought-after destinations in Spain, and American will connect BCN with a 6th gateway in the U.S. with service to Charlotte, North Carolina (CLT), next year. With more service to BCN than any other U.S. airline, American offers the most convenient nationwide access for travelers looking to visit the city known for beautiful architecture and its championship-winning soccer club.

In response to growing customer interest for cherry blossom season in Japan, American will launch service between Chicago (ORD) and Tokyo (NRT) on March 19. In addition to providing nonstop access to one of the world’s most vibrant cities, customers can connect beyond to destinations in East and Southeast Asia in partnership with Japan Airlines.

Next year, the airline will also extend the season on two returning routes. Service from CLT to Paris (CDG) and Miami (MIA) to Milan (MXP) will both launch on March 4, 2027. Spring break travel to Europe has grown in popularity, and American is responding to increased interest in these key markets.

London is one of the most important cities for premium travelers, and American is proud to serve as the largest U.S. airline in the market. In 2027, the airline will increase its presence in London with the reintroduction of a 4th daily flight between JFK and LHR. In partnership with British Airways, travelers will have up to 14 daily flights between New York City and London, the most of any airline partnership.