New planes and revamped airport lounges lead this week’s air travel news.
This week Iberia took delivery of the airline’s first A350-900. The first of 16 of the new aircraft on order for the airline through 2021, the twin-engine, widebody A350-900 has an extended range of approximately 9,000 miles and burns nearly 25 percent less fuel than similar aircraft. It can also use a blend of sustainable jet fuel, including biofuel, for further eco-friendliness, and it has a number of other features aimed at tamping down noise in the cabin and otherwise improving the onboard experience, such as a draft-free ventilation system to ensure a comfortable level of humidity and seven independent temperature control zones.
In airport lounge news, this week the Delta Sky Club at Ronald Reagan Washington National Airport (DCA) in Washington, DC, rolled out a new look following a renovation project that added 1,800 square feet of space and new culinary options from Chef Marjorie Meek-Bradley. The lounge is now 9,000 square feet total, and includes new lighting features, finishes and furnishings, as well as an open seating plan aimed at maximizing views of the runway and the Potomac River. The bar has also added additional seating.
In deal news, Cyprus-based Cobalt Air is rolling out a special offer for student travelers this summer. The new student fares with baggage promotion is only available through travel agents connected to GDS and via the airline’s call center. It allows students 17-26 years of age a free 25kg baggage allowance on all routes across the airline’s network (one piece of baggage only). Those eligible for the fare will need to present a valid student ID card when checking in for their flight.
Finally, in charter news, Silver Air has signed another Gulfstream GIV under its PURE Jet Management program. Based out of Van Nuys, CA, the jet is now available for charter operations. It has an 11-seat, partitioned cabin, a full-service galley and a six-passenger sleeping configuration for overnight travel.
Related Stories
Stats: Southwest Most Popular U.S. Airline
Who’s Where in Travel: New at AmaWaterways, CWT
Grenada Tourism Authority Launches Travel Agent Specialist Program With Questex