PaxEx News

FlightGlobal

High activity

British Airways to remove 52 seats in major A380 cabin overhaul, expanding premium economy and business class

British Airways is redesigning its Airbus A380 cabins, removing 52 seats to add premium-economy capacity and create what it says will be the world’s largest business-class deck. The investment reflects the airline’s effort to prioritize higher-yield passengers at slot-constrained Heathrow, even as A380 production has ended and new widebodies face delays.

PaxEx.Aero

Alaska Airlines’ Aurora 737 MAX 10 Will Use a Rare Split-Cabin IFE Layout

Alaska Airlines plans to limit seatback in-flight entertainment screens to selected seats in the premium Aurora configuration of its 737 MAX 10. The unusual choice reflects a differentiated approach to cabin design and passenger experience, with the airline offering specific reasons for departing from the industry norm.

Washington Post

FAA proposal to update airline medical kits draws criticism for sidelining expert recommendations

The FAA is proposing changes to the medical equipment airlines must carry, but doctors say the plan fails to adopt recommendations from an expert panel, including requiring modern tools such as EpiPens. The proposal instead emphasizes carrier flexibility, raising questions about consistent onboard emergency preparedness.

Paddle Your Own Kanoo

UK Plans to Ban Airline Fees for Parents to Sit With Their Children

The British government plans to prohibit airlines from charging parents extra to reserve seats next to their children, while also promising action on fees for correcting simple name mistakes. The measures are being framed as an “everyday fix” to reduce what ministers call rip-off airline charges.

AirInsight

Delta selects Amazon Leo over Starlink for next-generation in-flight Wi-Fi

Delta Air Lines has chosen Amazon’s Leo satellite network to power its next-generation in-flight Wi-Fi, opting for the service over SpaceX’s Starlink. The decision positions Amazon’s emerging connectivity network as a competitor in airline broadband and gives Delta a different technology path from United.

Paddle Your Own Kanoo

American Airlines passenger allowed to sue over alleged in-flight sexual misconduct and PTSD

A passenger who says a male seatmate masturbated beside her during an American Airlines transatlantic red-eye from New York JFK to Milan has been allowed to pursue a lawsuit against the carrier. She alleges the incident left her with post-traumatic stress disorder after being trapped in her window seat for about an hour.

Reuters

High activity

Alaska Air targets global-carrier status with joint ventures, Hawaiian 787s and potential major acquisition

Alaska Air Group is positioning itself for a broader national and international role, combining Hawaiian Airlines’ widebody fleet with plans to join transatlantic and transpacific joint ventures. The strategy would intensify its Seattle competition with Delta while leaving room for one final major U.S. airline acquisition.

Bloomberg

High activity

Thai Airways fires CEO after Bangkok floods strand thousands of bags and disrupt hub operations

Thai Airways has removed chief executive Chai Eamsiri and appointed Samrit Samniang as acting CEO after severe Bangkok flooding triggered major operational disruptions, including thousands of stranded bags at Suvarnabhumi Airport. The board is reviewing the flag carrier’s crisis-management procedures and response to the weather event.