As airlines gear up for 2024, passengers can look forward to exciting changes in the world of aviation. Airlines are rolling out post-lockdown plans, introducing new aircraft with innovative seat designs, and upgrading airports to enhance the passenger experience. While some deliveries and routes may face delays due to supply chain challenges, here’s a glimpse of what travelers can anticipate in the coming year.
Revamped Airports and Terminals
In late 2023, Abu Dhabi International Airport, home to Etihad Airways, finally unveiled its long-awaited Terminal A. This expansive terminal promises improved connections, enhanced passenger spaces, and new lounges, providing a more pleasant experience for travelers as Etihad expands its operations in 2024.
Meanwhile, at Los Angeles International Airport (LAX), significant improvements are taking place outside the terminals. The completion of the Automated People Mover train system, featuring six stations, will connect terminals with the new rental car facility, ride-hailing zones, parking lots, and the new Metro Transit Center station. This development aims to alleviate traffic congestion at LAX when it opens in 2024.
Airports worldwide are also implementing quality-of-life enhancements, such as advanced bag scanners that eliminate the need to remove liquids or electronics during security checks. Integrated airline and airport apps are becoming more common, reducing wait times and expediting the boarding process.
Game-Changing Small Planes
2024 brings exciting news in the realm of smaller, yet powerful, aircraft. The Airbus A321XLR, an extended-range version of the A320neo family, is set to take flight late in the year. With a range of 4,700 nautical miles (equivalent to nine to ten hours of flying), this aircraft opens up new long and thin routes previously underserved by smaller planes. The A321XLR promises increased convenience for passengers with shorter boarding and deboarding times and modernized cabins.
In business class, travelers can expect spacious suites with doors, akin to those offered by JetBlue’s Airbus A321LR. New suites from manufacturers like Stelia’s Opera and Safran’s Vue will redefine comfort. In economy class, passengers will enjoy fully equipped seats with large entertainment screens, power sockets, and in-flight WiFi options. Innovative seats like the Recaro CL3810 will enhance legroom and comfort.
A Wave of New Large Aircraft
Airlines are ushering in a new era with the arrival of new planes, featuring upgraded cabins and seats. Japan Airlines plans to operate its first Airbus A350-1000 in January 2024, offering luxurious first-class suites, spacious business suites, premium economy seats, and comfortable economy accommodations. These aircraft will introduce headrest speakers in premium classes, providing a personalized audio experience.
Lufthansa is gearing up for the Allegris generation of products, boasting new seats in first, business, premium, and economy classes. While production delays may extend the wait for this upgraded experience, it promises to be worth it.
Air India is taking delivery of A350s designed in-house, complete with new seats. These planes reflect the airline’s rebranding efforts, featuring stunning paint jobs and stylish uniforms by fashion designer Manish Malhotra.
Emirates is set to receive its first A350 in mid-2024, along with new yet-to-be-unveiled seats. The airline also plans to replace seats on its older Boeing 777 aircraft, addressing the age-related concerns of these cabins.
Airbus is increasing deliveries of its “New Production Standard” A350s, enhancing passenger comfort with wider cabins, more galley space, and improved shoulder room in economy class. Some airlines are even adding a 10th seat to every economy row.
Enhanced Economy Class Experiences
Air New Zealand is introducing Skynest bunks in 2024 on flights to New York and Chicago. These six pods offer passengers a chance to rest during long flights for a fee ranging from $400 to $600 for a four-hour snooze.
Airline industry experts predict that airlines will invest more in enhancing the economy class experience, focusing on seat comfort, aesthetics, and connectivity. Expect better seat cushions, vibrant color schemes, snack counters, mood lighting, and improved amenities, as airlines strive to make flying more enjoyable and convenient for passengers.
It’s difficult to say which airline has the “best” business class, as it ultimately depends on individual preferences and priorities. That being said, here are a few airlines that are known for offering top-notch business class experiences.
Airlines Ramping Up Operations
A record-breaking 1,667 orders were placed for global aircraft in the first half of 2023 by the world’s airlines.
In the year 2023, a total of 1,345 commercial aircraft were delivered, signifying a steady recovery from the pandemic-related supply chain issues. Among these aircraft deliveries, several airlines stood out for their significant fleet expansion efforts. Here are the top airlines that added the most aircraft to their fleets in 2023: Top Airlines Leading in Fleet Expansion in 2023.
With the influx of new planes, airlines have the flexibility to retire older aircraft or expand their reach to new destinations. Keep an eye out for upcoming schedules, especially for intercontinental flights, as more nonstop services become available, providing added convenience to travelers on transatlantic and transpacific routes.
Sources: AirGuide Business airguide.info, bing.com, cnn.com
