Virgin Australia has signalled its intention to move toward a wi-fi based inflight entertainment system, signing an agreement with Lufthansa Services to develop and install a version of the company’s BoardConnect service from mid-2012. The system will allow passengers to wirelessly access a library of movies, music, TV shows, games and other content using their
Boeing has unveiled Japan Airlines’ first 787-8 Dreamliner, featuring JAL’s updated livery and the carrier’s iconic flying crane on the tail. The jet will operate on JAL’s new Tokyo Narita-Boston route. The carbon composite built 787-8 entered commercial service in October with launch customer All Nippon Airways.
Star Alliance has appointed United Airlines executive Mark Schwab as its new CEO. Schwab most recently served as senior vice president for alliances at United, a Star Alliance member. He replaces Jaan Albrecht, who was appointed CEO of Austrian Airlines in November. “With Mark Schwab we have secured an internationally renowned airline executive, who has
Virgin Australia has entered another agreement with a biofuel company as it searches for ways to cut fuel costs. The memorandum of understanding with Australian company Licella will support the commercialisation of a process that could make aviation fuel out of biological waste. Under a joint venture, Licella and Norske Skog Australasia have exclusive license
Skywest Airlines has announced plans to add five ATR 72-600 turboprops to the regional fleet it operates on behalf of Virgin Australia. Skywest already operates four 68-seat ATR 72-500s for Virgin on routes out of Brisbane and Sydney. It expects to take delivery of four 68-seat 72-600s, early next year. The latest five ATR 72-600s
Virgin Australia and Singapore Airlines have launched the first phase of their recently approved alliance with a joint service connecting Singapore, Darwin and Sydney. The airlines have also announced reciprocal frequent flyer programs. SilkAir, Singapore Airlines’ regional subsidiary, will begin four-times-weekly service between Singapore and Darwin from March 26 2012, while Virgin will complement those
