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Aer Lingus announced (19-Dec-2024) it took delivery of two A321XLR aircraft (EI-XLR and EI-XLT) at Dublin Airport. The aircraft are the first of six A321XLRs which the carrier plans to use on trans-Atlantic routes to destinations including Nashville and Indianapolis in 2025. Aer Lingus stated it is the second airline in the world to operate the aircraft, following Iberia's launch of operations with the aircraft in Nov-2024, as previously reported by CAPA. Aer Lingus CEO Lynne Embleton stated: "The long-range capabilities of the XLR enable us to travel deeper into North America, offering previously unserved markets greater connectivity to Europe through our Dublin hub... Looking ahead, we're on target to expand our XLR fleet from two to six aircraft in 2025". [more - original PR - Aer Lingus] [more - original PR - Airbus]

KLM Royal Dutch Airlines completed (19-Dec-2024) the conversion of all 54 of its Boeing 777 and 787 aircraft to the new 'Premium Comfort Class', following a two year project. The intermediate class, available on long haul services, offers "more space, luxury, and privacy" than economy class, at a lower price point than World Business Class. Depending on the aircraft, the Premium Comfort section features 21 to 28 seats with wider seating, additional legroom, larger screens, footrests and more recline compared to economy. During the conversion of the 777 aircraft, KLM also upgraded World Business Class with new seats that include sliding doors and direct aisle access. [more - original PR]

OAG reported (17-Dec-2024) the top domestic routes by seat numbers for 2024, as follows:

1. Jeju-Seoul Gimpo: Capacity increased 3% year-on-year but remains 19% behind the 2019 level;
2. Sapporo Chitose-Tokyo Haneda: Capacity remained similar to the 2023 level;
3. Fukuoka-Tokyo Haneda: Capacity was "relatively unchanged" year-on-year;
4. Hanoi-Ho Chi Minh City;
5. Melbourne-Sydney;
6. Jeddah-Riyadh: Recorded the largest growth among the top 10 at 10% year-on-year and 9% compared to 2019;
7. Tokyo Haneda-Okinawa Naha;
8. Mumbai-Delhi;
9. Beijing Capital-Shanghai Hongqiao;
10. Guangzhou Baiyun-Shanghai Hongqiao.

The top five rankings were unchanged from 2023. [more - original PR] [more - original PR - II]

China's National Immigration Administration announced (17-Dec-2024) China's Government decided to extend the transit passenger visa free stay period for ordinary passport holders from 54 countries, including the UK, the US and Canada, from 72 hours to 240 hours (10 days), effective from 17-Dec-2024. The Government also approved 21 additional airports as official ports of entry for the transit passenger visa free stay scheme, including Chengdu Tianfu International Airport, Haikou Hainan Meilan International Airport, Sanya Phoenix International Airport and Guiyang Longdongbao International Airport, increasing the total number of airports approved under the scheme to 60. [more - original PR]

OAG reported (17-Dec-2024) the top international routes by seat numbers for 2024, as follows:

1. Hong Kong-Taiwan Taoyuan. Capacity increased 48% year-on-year and the ranking increased from third in 2023;
2. Cairo-Jeddah. Capacity increased 68% over the last five years;
3. Seoul Incheon-Tokyo Narita. Capacity increased 30% year-on-year;
4. Kuala Lumpur-Singapore;
5. Seoul Incheon-Osaka Kansai;
6. Dubai-Riyadh. Capacity increased 37% since 2019;
7. Bangkok Suvarnabhumi-Hong Kong. The route re-entered the top 10 at after ranking 11th in 2023;
8. Jakarta-Singapore;
9. Bangkok Suvarnabhumi-Singapore;
10. New York JFK- London Heathrow.

OAG chief analyst John Grant commented: "With the ASPAC region very close to a full recovery, the busiest routes are concentrated in the familiar major hubs of Hong Kong, Seoul Incheon and Singapore, although the composition of the supply on those routes is changing as the low-cost sector continues its growth at a faster rate than legacy. One of the most interesting developments is the growth in regional Middle East markets with a particular emphasis on Saudi Arabia, where the Vision 2030 project continues to drive both business and leisure demand". [more - original PR]

Ethiopian Airlines announced (17-Dec-2024) a new partnership with the Democratic Republic of the Congo (DRC) Government for the establishment of Air Congo. The DRC government will hold a 51% majority stake, while Ethiopian Airlines will retain a 49% share and manage the airline. Key technical agreements, including aircraft lease, comprehensive technical support and systems support agreements have been signed between the two partners. Ethiopian Airlines will also train Congolese nationals as pilots, cabin crew, sales and services staff and technicians. Air Congo's operations began with two Boeing 737-800 aircraft, serving seven airports within the DRC. The initiative aligns with Ethiopian Airlines 'Vision 2035' strategy, which aims to establish multiple hubs across Africa, complementing existing partnerships with ASKY Airlines, Malawi Airlines and Zambia Airways. [more - original PR]