Airline News February 2005

Airguide Online, Feb 28, 2005

Feb 7, 2005

Air India Express

India is very quickly waking up to the idea of budget air travel, even Air-India getting into the act. Set for launch on March 27 Air India Express plans to have a fleet of 14 Boeing 737-800s within 12 months. These aircraft will have 181 economy class seats in a single class configuration. The new airline will operate 63 flights per week with six aircraft available at the time of the launch. With the induction of four more aircraft, effective winter 2005, Air-India Express will operate 38 additional flights, and add another 26 flights in the third phase effective April 2006, when four more aircraft will join the fleet. Kingfisher, another Indian budget operator, and part of the beer company of the same name, has added the Airbus A319 to its prospective fleet. It's due to launch in April followed by Spicejet in May. Another operator at the no frills end of the market, Air Deccan, is already up and operating. http://www.airindia.com http://www.flykingfisher.com http://www.airdeccan.net

Feb 27, 2005

Air New Zealand'

Air New Zealand's fleet of Boeing 747-400 aircraft and eight new Boeing 777-200 aircraft are to be configured in a three cabin layout that eliminates first class. Virgin Atlantic was the first to take this route which is now being copied by a number of airlines. ANZ calls its new passenger configuration Business Premier, Pacific Premium Economy and Pacific Economy and plans to start refitting its Boeing 747s later this year, its still to be introduced 777s 'factory fresh' with the new interiors. Business Premier will offer completely lie-flat sleeping, the 22" wide seat converting into a 6' 7", probably the longest bed to date. Pacific Premium Economy features generous 39"-40" pitch and all classes will have upgraded menus and video on demand. http://www.airnewzealand.co.nz

Feb 27, 2005

Air New Zealand

Air New Zealand is introducing a Pacific Premium Economy class on its 747s and 777s flying across the Pacific. This will be in addition to its Business Premier and Pacific Economy classes. The airline has been working for more than a year on improving its look, and Gus Gilmore, vice president - The Americas, said, "This is just the beginning. New planes, new in-flight entertainment systems, new seats, new uniforms and a new food and beverage service are just some of the developments we are working on to enhance our long-distance offerings." Customers will begin to see these enhancements in the second half of this year. The three- class cabin will be available on flights from San Francisco to Auckland by August, and from Los Angeles to both London and Auckland at the end of 2005. Its Business Premier class will have lie-flat seats with ottomans, direct aisle access for all passengers and an on-demand entertainment system. Pacific Premium Economy will have 40 inches of pitch, wide seats, on-demand video, and the same beverage service, outlets and cabin lighting as the business class cabin. Pacific Economy also will have on-demand entertainment and seas with 34 inches of pitch.