Paddle Your Own Kanoo
• Mateusz Maszczynski
KLM flight KL735, carrying 322 passengers from Amsterdam to Curaçao, turned back over the Atlantic after a power bank caught fire in the business-class cabin. The incident reportedly caused minor burns and highlights the operational and safety risks posed by lithium-battery devices in flight.
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Delta will operate more than 200 daily departures from Los Angeles International Airport in summer 2027, adding two routes and frequency across seven markets. Separately, the airline plans to establish an Airbus A350 base at Minneapolis–St. Paul in early 2027, potentially supporting seasonal long-haul growth.
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KLM flight KL735, carrying 322 passengers from Amsterdam to Curaçao, turned back over the Atlantic after a power bank caught fire in the business-class cabin. The incident reportedly caused minor burns and highlights the operational and safety risks posed by lithium-battery devices in flight.
Air France’s investment in premium service, including caviar and champagne, is helping the Paris-based carrier withstand the fallout from the Iran war, CEO Ben Smith told Reuters. The comments suggest the airline’s luxury-focused strategy is contributing to resilience amid geopolitical disruption.
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Singapore Airlines has been named the world’s best airline in Skytrax’s 2026 rankings, moving ahead of Qatar Airways, which placed second, and Cathay Pacific, which ranked third. The results underscore the competitive importance of cabin comfort and service as airlines differentiate their long-haul offerings.
Air France is extending its La Première first-class offering to additional U.S. cities, including Boston, as it responds to sustained demand for premium international travel. The move expands access to the carrier’s highest-end product and underscores the continued importance of premium cabins in transatlantic markets.
India’s largest airline has increased charges for several domestic ancillary services, including infant travel, unaccompanied minors, excess baggage, priority check-in and boarding, and travel certificates. The changes leave base fares unchanged while making optional services more expensive for passengers.
ZIM Aircraft Seating is preparing for its next growth phase by seeking to double assembly-line capacity. The supplier, which specializes in premium-economy and economy seating, is expanding production capability to meet rising demand from aircraft manufacturers and airline customers.
Korean Air has begun migrating bookings and transitioning flight numbers as it prepares to integrate Asiana Airlines. The operational changes mark a key step before the combined airline’s official launch, moving the consolidation from corporate planning into customer-facing systems and day-to-day operations.
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