22North: New-Generation Disruption Recovery and Passenger Servicing
22North unveiled a next‑generation disruption recovery platform that uses conversational AI to orchestrate real‑time airline operations. The solution integrates WhatsApp, SMS, voice and RCS, instantly modeling recovery scenarios and delivering personalized rebooking offers to passengers. By automating decision‑making, airlines can curb the industry‑wide $60 bn loss from irregular operations and cut messaging costs by up to 40%. The platform will be demonstrated at the APEX FTE Ancillary & Retailing event in 2026.
Alaska Airlines to Open Landmark Lounge at Seattle-Tacoma as Part of Wider CX Investment
Alaska Airlines will launch a 41,000‑sq‑ft global lounge at Seattle‑Tacoma International Airport in late‑2027, featuring 700 seats across two levels, premium dining, bars, showers, and dedicated spaces for international travelers. The lounge will be the largest airline lounge in Seattle...
PANYNJ Approves $75m for Newark Terminal B Upgrades as Part of $200m Modernisation Plan
The Port Authority of New York and New Jersey approved $75 million for immediate upgrades to Newark Liberty Airport’s Terminal B, kicking off a three‑year, $200 million modernization program. The near‑term work will revamp gate areas, restrooms, circulation spaces, and critical vertical‑transport systems...
Emirates Completes First Two-Class A380 Retrofit, Adding Premium Economy and Refreshed Interiors
Emirates has finished the first retrofit of a two‑class A380, converting it to a three‑class configuration that adds a Premium Economy cabin on the upper deck. The upgraded aircraft now seats 76 Business, 56 Premium Economy and 437 Economy passengers....
Sofia Airport Secures €450m for New Terminal 3 and Major Infrastructure Modernisation
Sofia Airport has secured €450 million (approximately $495 million) in international financing to fund the construction of a new Terminal 3 and a comprehensive upgrade of existing facilities. Construction is slated to start in fall 2026, with the infrastructure designed to support capacity growth...
Pegasus Partners with Overwatch AI to Accelerate AI-Powered Operational Decision-Making
Pegasus Innovation Lab has announced a strategic partnership with Silicon Valley‑based Overwatch AI, which also becomes a financial investor and design collaborator. The joint effort will deploy Overwatch’s AI‑powered platform, enabling pilots, cabin crew and operations staff to retrieve critical...
Etihad Guest Launches Frequent Flyer Partnership with Bangkok Airways
Etihad Guest has announced a reciprocal frequent‑flyer partnership with Bangkok Airways’ FlyerBonus programme. The deal lets members of both loyalty schemes redeem miles for flights, upgrades, hotels, holidays and retail rewards across each airline’s network. Etihad highlights Thailand as a...
Singapore Airlines Partners with Starlink to Deliver Next-Generation Inflight Connectivity
Singapore Airlines will roll out Starlink’s low‑Earth‑orbit satellite Wi‑Fi across its Airbus A350‑900, A350‑900ULR and A380 long‑haul fleet starting in early 2027. The service promises multi‑gigabit speeds and low latency, enabling seamless video streaming, gaming and large‑file transfers for all...
MIA Unveils AI-Powered Airport Operations Center and Digital Monitoring Hub
Miami International Airport will complete a $33 million, 13,254‑square‑foot AI‑enabled Airport Operations Center and Digital Monitoring Hub by 2027, the first of its kind in the U.S. The facility features AI‑powered long‑range PTZ cameras, real‑time digital tower technology and a 360°...
Austrian Airlines Partners with Spafax to Elevate Inflight and Lounge Media Strategy
Austrian Airlines has teamed up with media specialist Spafax to commercialise its inflight and lounge advertising inventory. The partnership will roll out seat‑back pre‑roll video and lounge screen ads, aligning the media offering with international standards. Spafax will leverage its...
Hawaiian Airlines Accelerates Sustainability Efforts with Electric Ground Support Fleet
Hawaiian Airlines has electrified its ground support equipment at Honolulu International Airport, replacing 116 diesel and propane units with lithium‑battery tractors, belt loaders and push‑back tugs. The electric fleet now accounts for 73 % of the airline’s HNL GSE, cutting emissions,...
IGA Istanbul Airport in Advanced Planning for All-Campus ‘UÇUR’ Meal Delivery Solution
Istanbul Airport (iGA) announced a digital‑first commercial strategy that includes the UÇUR all‑campus meal‑delivery solution. The hub expects to handle 90 million passengers this year across 340 nonstop destinations and is expanding capacity to 120 million with a fourth runway slated for...
American Airlines Introduces Limited-Edition U.S. Soccer Amenity Kits Ahead of FIFA World Cup 26
American Airlines is launching limited‑edition U.S. Soccer‑themed amenity kits across its premium cabins from June through July, aligning with the FIFA World Cup 2026. The kits include convertible clear bags, travel‑ready skincare, after‑sun cooling gel and soccer‑style socks, designed to...
Delta Air Lines Refreshes Delta One Amenity Kit Collection in Partnership with Missoni
Delta Air Lines has refreshed its Delta One amenity kits through a partnership with luxury fashion house Missoni and Australian skincare brand Grown Alchemist. The new collection, rolling out for the spring‑summer season, features five colourways inspired by Delta’s global...
Edmonton International Airport Redefines CX with New YEGplus Loyalty Programme
Edmonton International Airport has launched YEGplus, the first airport‑wide loyalty programme in Canada. The free platform lets travelers earn points for every dollar spent on parking, retail, surveys and referrals, with tiered levels from Essential to Gold. Members can redeem...