Swiss Airbus A350 takes off for Boston on first full ‘SWISS Senses’ flight

Jens Fehlinger, SWISS CEO, and Heike Birlenbach, SWISS CCO, at the ribbon cutting ceremony during the gate event for SWISS flight LX52 from Zurich to Boston

SWISS’s first Airbus A350 HB-IFA departed from Zurich for Boston at 18:37 this (Thursday) evening (November 20, 2025) on its first revenue long-haul flight. The event marks a further milestone for the airline: travelers on the Zurich-Boston route can now enjoy in full the completely new cabin and enhanced inflight service of the new ‘SWISS Senses’ long-haul air travel concept in all seating classes. SWISS’s first Airbus A350 will continue to be deployed on short-haul services, too, over the next few weeks, to train crews on the new twinjet as efficiently as possible. Montreal will be the new SWISS A350’s second long-haul destination.

SWISS’s first new Airbus A350 HB-IFA departed from Zurich for Boston at 18:37 this (Thursday) evening on its first revenue long-haul flight. The event is a further premiere for Swiss International Air Lines (SWISS), and ushers in a new air travel era with the first full implementation of the new ‘SWISS Senses’ concept for the company’s long-haul flights.

SWISS Senses offers a winning blend of design, comfort and Swiss hospitality in all classes of travel, from a welcome drink with Sbrinz cheese to refined meal choices, the Alpine Essence signature cocktail, new Business Class bedlinen, top-quality care items and state-of-the-art inflight entertainment. And with the new Zurich-Boston Airbus A350 operation, travelers can experience for the first time both the new SWISS Senses cabin and the accompanying enhanced long-haul inflight service.

“Our new Airbus A350 marks the next step in our development, in technological, commercial and guest experience terms,” says SWISS CEO Jens Fehlinger. “It’s quieter, more efficient and more comfortable than any other aircraft we have operated to date. Investments of this kind don’t just sharpen our own competitive edge: they consolidate Switzerland’s place, too, in the air travel world. A strong and viable SWISS is vital: for our customers, for our employees and for the whole Swiss economy. Every long-haul aircraft we operate creates some 300 jobs, from the crews and the planners all the way to the suppliers of the ingredients for our inflight culinary offerings – which underlines just how closely our business and operations are woven into the broader Swiss economy.”

Premium and Swissness

“Today’s flight turns our vision into tangible reality,” adds SWISS Chief Commercial Officer Heike Birlenbach. “Our new cabin interior and enhanced inflight service create an air travel experience that combines comfort, quality and core Swiss values. We have paid close attention to every individual detail – from the materials used to our menu options and our new comfort items – to ensure that SWISS Senses offers our customers genuine added value that appeals to all the senses. With this new inflight product package, we’re declaring what we want SWISS to be in the years ahead: reliable, consistently aligned to our guests and their needs, and with both ‘premium’ and ‘Swissness’ centerstage. So our Boston premiere today shows what SWISS long-haul travel will look and feel like tomorrow.”

More comfort in all travel classes

The new First Class cabin offers three suites providing maximum privacy and comfort. Each suite has its own door and wardrobe, along with a spacious table. The new Business Class cabin features 45 seats, all with direct aisle access and all reclinable into a lie-flat bed up to 2.2 meters long. Business Class travelers can choose from five different seat categories that include compact suites offering additional inflight privacy, all available in either single- or double-seat versions.

The new Premium Economy Class offers 38 seats – more than on any SWISS aircraft to date. With a seat width of 48 centimeters and a seat pitch of around one meter, SWISS Premium Economy ensures a relaxed air travel experience. The new Economy Class cabin with its 156 seats also offers its travelers greater at-seat space, together with a larger 13.3-inch HD screen, a Bluetooth connection for using their own headphones and USB-A and USB-C ports.

Long-haul fleetwide installation planned

Nine further Airbus A350s will join the SWISS aircraft fleet between now and 2031, all of which will also be delivered with the new SWISS Senses cabin installed. SWISS will also be gradually retrofitting the new SWISS Senses cabin into its Airbus A330 fleet from the first half of 2026 onwards, and into its Boeing 777 fleet thereafter. All SWISS long-haul aircraft should be equipped with the new SWISS Senses interior by 2030.

Air Cambodia becomes launch customer for new Business Class on ATR 72-600 featuring ‘X-Space Table’

Air Cambodia, the national flag carrier of Cambodia, is set to redefine regional air travel as the launch customer of ATR’s new innovative premium seat featuring the ‘X-Space Table’, a smart, plug-and-play solution that converts a standard dual economy seat into a single premium seat within minutes. Under development, its certification is expected in Q1 2027.

Following the delivery of its brand-new ATR 72-600 in May 2025, Air Cambodia plans to retrofit the ‘X-Space Table’ in 2027 across its fleet of three ATRs. The business class section will feature four business seats arranged in two rows in a one-by-one layout, offering direct window and aisle access for each traveller, as well as enhanced comfort, privacy and individual stowage compartments.

The ‘X-Space Table’ is part of ATR HighLine, the manufacturer’s collection of high-end cabin interiors introduced in 2023. It is engineered to support dynamic fleet operations, enabling swift installation and removal, allowing airlines to seamlessly switch between full economy and dual-class cabin configurations. This flexibility empowers operators to respond efficiently to fluctuating passenger demand, seasonal variations or charter-specific requirements with minimal downtime and maximum efficiency.

Air Cambodia operates ATR aircraft on key regional routes including Phnom Penh, Siem Reap, Sihanoukville, Ho Chi Minh City and other cities. Recognised with a three-star rating by Skytrax for its customer experience, the airline continues to enhance its service offering by being the first ATR operator to implement this specific type of dual-class configuration on its fleet.

NTSB issues its preliminary report on UPS flight 2976

This information is preliminary and subject to change.

On November 4, 2025, about 1714 eastern standard time (EST), United Parcel Service (UPS) flight 2976, a Boeing (McDonnell-Douglas) MD-11F airplane, N259UP, was destroyed after it impacted the ground shortly after takeoff from runway 17R at Louisville Muhammad Ali International Airport (SDF), Louisville, Kentucky. The 3 crewmembers aboard the airplane and 11 people on the ground were fatally injured. There were 23 others on the ground who were injured. Flight 2976 was a domestic cargo flight operating under the provisions of Title 14 Code of Federal Regulations (CFR) Part 121 from SDF to Daniel K. Inouye International Airport (HNL), Honolulu, Hawaii.

In response to the accident, the NTSB traveled to SDF on November 5, 2025, and started the process of documenting the accident site, and collecting the perishable data necessary for the investigation.

As part of the investigative process, the NTSB invited qualified parties to participate in the investigation. These included:

the Federal Aviation Administration (FAA),
UPS,
The Boeing Company,
Independent Pilots Association (IPA),
General Electric (GE) Aerospace, and
Teamsters Airline Division.

Read the Preliminary Report.

JetBlue launches Gateway University – Tech Ops

JetBlue Airways has announced the expansion of its industry-leading Gateway programs with the launch of Gateway University – Tech Ops, a new pathway designed to create a direct route for aviation maintenance students to join JetBlue as Aircraft Maintenance Technicians (AMTs). The initiative expands career opportunities in one of the airline industry’s most vital and in-demand fields.

For the first time, JetBlue is offering external candidates a defined path to becoming a JetBlue maintenance technician. While existing Technical Operations Gateways programs have been available for current JetBlue crewmembers, Gateway University – Tech Ops opens the door for aviation students outside of JetBlue to pursue a structured, hands-on route to joining the airline’s maintenance operations.

The program launches with two partners: Vaughn College of Aeronautics and Technology in Queens, New York, and Cape Cod Community College (CCCC) in Plymouth, Massachusetts. Both institutions offer FAA-approved Aviation Maintenance programs and have deep connections to JetBlue’s operations and workforce.

Building on JetBlue’s longstanding Gateway partnership for pilot development, Vaughn College now extends opportunities to aspiring maintenance technicians and deepens a relationship rooted in shared commitment to aviation excellence and workforce development, demonstrating how accessible, community-based pathways can open doors to rewarding careers in aviation.

At the same time, Cape Cod Community College becomes one of the first institutions to bring Gateway University – Tech Ops to life in New England. JetBlue’s partnership with CCCC underscores the airline’s deep ties to the broader Boston area, where it serves as the largest carrier and continues to support local talent development.

Through the program, accepted students will:

Receive a conditional job offer with JetBlue at acceptance into the program.
Be paired with a JetBlue technician mentor for ongoing support.
Complete required coursework and FAA certifications with continued guidance from JetBlue’s Gateway team.
Transition directly into a maintenance technician role at JetBlue after meeting all requirements.

JetBlue has begun accepting the first candidates into Gateway University – Tech Ops this fall, with the first graduates expected to join JetBlue’s Tech Ops team by next year. The airline also plans to expand the program to additional schools in cities where JetBlue operates major maintenance bases and technical facilities.

Programs like Gateway University – Tech Ops are designed to remove barriers that often prevent talented individuals from pursuing in-demand skilled jobs in aviation. By partnering with colleges and providing structured support from day one, JetBlue is making the pathway into this rewarding profession more accessible.

More airline news:

American brings more learning and laughs to the skies

With more than 1,500 hours of carefully curated movies, TV shows and audio content, American Airlines is elevating the inflight experience for every traveler. From reality TV favorites and beloved children’s stories to the latest educational and family-friendly content, American’s expanded entertainment lineup offers something for every mood, moment and customer on board.

Fun for every age: From toddlers to teens

American now offers even more ways for families to keep little travelers entertained from takeoff to touchdown. For the youngest travelers, “Hey Bear Sensory” videos, filled with colorful animations and rhythmic music, have become a hit among babies and toddlers. And now, a new partnership with Lingokids adds a fresh layer of fun and learning for children ages 2-8.

Through engaging songs, stories and games, Lingokids encourages curiosity, creativity and early language skills. With 10 hours of series, songs and craft videos to choose from, kids will be able to make time fly with fun, safe and educational content. This is just another way American is helping families enjoy a stress-free, screen-happy journey for everyone on board.

American brings Harry Potter to the skies

Last year, American launched its partnership with Audible and has since brought new literary experiences to the skies. Starting in December, customers can immerse themselves with exclusive access to the first five chapters of “Harry Potter^™ and the Sorcerer’s Stone.” American is the only U.S.-based airline to offer this unique listening experience, bringing magic to the skies and setting a new standard for inflight storytelling.

From the exploration of Muhammad Ali’s life and legacy in “Ali in Me,” to meditation guides and self-help options, there is an audiobook for every kind of listener.

Bravo, indeed!

Pop culture lovers, rejoice. The launch of American’s new Bravo channel means customers can now enjoy their favorite reality hits, from culinary competitions to stylish, drama-filled reunions, all at 35,000 feet.

Whether it’s catching up on “Top Chef,” reliving iconic “Real Housewives” moments or sailing through the high seas on “Below Deck,” it’ll provide customers the perfect dose of Bravo energy.

Endless choices on any flight

From must-watch blockbusters to timeless classics, chart-topping albums, podcasts and language learning, American’s inflight entertainment offers content for every traveler on every journey. Available on seatback screens or on personal devices, customers can explore the full entertainment lineup ahead of their flight at entertainment.aa.com.

Because no matter who our customer is, or how they like to pass their time in the skies, American is making sure there’s something great waiting for them on board.

More airline news:

Delta celebrates a century of flight with Assouline coffee table book, dedicated to its employees

Authored by New York–based journalist Mark Ellwood and organized decade by decade, Delta: 100 Years & Climbing brings Delta’s history to life through striking photography and personal stories.

Delta and the Delta Flight Museum are continuing the airline’s Centennial celebrations with the launch of Delta: 100 Years & Climbing, a luxury coffee table book created in partnership with renowned publisher Assouline — available for pre-order beginning Nov. 18 on www.assouline.com.

The beautifully crafted volume commemorates Delta’s journey from a humble crop-dusting operation in 1925 to one of the world’s leading global carriers, now connecting more than 200 million customers to 300 destinations on six continents every year — safely, reliably and with industry-leading customer service innovation.

“As the first U.S. carrier to turn one hundred years old, we feel pride and gratitude when thinking back on all that this airline and its people have achieved, always finding a way to soar higher no matter the challenges,” said Delta CEO Ed Bastian in the book’s foreword. “This book is a tribute to the 100,000 employees who call Delta home and the many others who came before us — those who reached for the unimaginable, bravely forged new paths, and relentlessly pursued excellence.”

Authored by New York–based journalist Mark Ellwood and organized decade by decade, the book brings Delta’s history to life through striking photography and personal stories — highlighting fleet evolution, branding milestones, route expansions and the generations of Delta employees who are the backbone of the airline’s success. The chapters bring readers on a journey from Delta’s first passenger flight in 1929 through the Jet Age debut of the DC-8, to more modern history like the trailblazing women who first entered the cockpit and the debut of premium amenities like in-flight Wi-Fi and Delta One suites that redefined comfort in the skies.

The Delta Flight Museum, a 501 (c)(3) nonprofit organization dedicated to preserving and celebrating aviation history, played a pivotal role in curating the historic photographs, advertisements and stories that make the book an authentic tribute to Delta’s legacy.

Delta Air Lines aircraft slide show (historical liveries):

Delta introduces ‘Delta Locals’: A new travel planning companion brings recommendations from experts who know best

This holiday season, Delta wants to help inspire your next dream trip while making it more authentic. First announced at CES 2025 at the beginning of the airline’s Centennial year, Delta brings to life a new one-stop shop for trip recommendations made easy and more personalized. Delta Locals, full of immersive, inspirational and culturally rich content, brings the world closer through the voices of those who call these places home.

A digitally focused experience full of inspirational content, the virtual experience features curated itineraries made by real residents of each destination. These experts, the most in-the-know for the best places to find art, entertainment, food and adventure, will help write the next great travel story and experience.

A set of four screenshots show how the Delta Locals platform will appear on mobile screens.

“Delta’s goal for our next 100 years of travel is to be so much more than just your airline,” said Alicia Tillman, Chief Marketing Officer. “We’re your one-stop shop for dreaming, planning, booking and arriving at a city on your bucket list. We are ready to take you where you want to go but to also help ensure you’re fully exploring the best that places have to offer with insights that most tourists would never know about.”

Beginning this fall, travelers can access content with expertise across four destinations: Los Angeles, Tokyo, Patagonia and Sicily. Additional destinations will join the roster in late 2025 and throughout 2026.

Delta Locals is the future of travel planning – where technology strengthens and meets human connection. Struggling with where to go this holiday season for an unforgettable vacation? Let Delta help you unlock the world. With service to over 300 destinations, your next adventure is just a flight away.

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Ethiopian Airlines strengthens its position as Africa’s largest A350 operator with order for 6 Additional A350-900s

Ethiopian Airlines, the largest airline in Africa and one of the fastest growing airline brands globally has placed a firm order for 6 additional Airbus A350-900 aircraft, further strengthening its position as the largest A350 customer in Africa. This agreement was signed at the Dubai Airshow by Mr. Mesfin Tasew, Ethiopian Airlines Group CEO and Benoît de Saint-Exupéry, Airbus EVP Sales of the Commercial Aircraft business.

Silk Way West Airlines orders two additional A350F freighters

Silk Way West Airlines based in Baku, Azerbaijan has signed a firm contract for an additional two A350F freighter aircraft. The agreement, which takes the total order to four A350Fs, forms the backbone of Silk Way West Airlines’ fleet modernisation and expansion strategy.

Buraq Air to become new Airbus customer with a commitment for 10 A320neo Family

Buraq Air, first private Libyan airline, has signed a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) for the purchase of 10 A320neo Family aircraft, becoming a new Airbus customer. The agreement was signed at the Dubai Airshow by Fouzi Almiqalh, General Assembly President of Buraq Air and Benoit de Saint Exupery, Airbus EVP Sales of the Commercial Aircraft business.