Passenger-Focused Upgrades Await Travelers in 2024
Get ready for an exciting travel experience in 2024! Airlines are implementing their post-lockdown plans with state-of-the-art airplanes, innovative seat designs, and impressive airport improvements Prepare for a journey like never before!
In 2024, passengers will be taking to the skies with airlines implementing their post-lockdown strategies. This will involve the introduction of sleek new airplanes with innovative seat designs being rolled out quickly. While new airports and terminals will also be making an impact in key regions, certain routes and aircraft deliveries may be postponed until 2025 or beyond due to supply chain challenges.
Lets start with those new airports and terminals before taking a look at the airplane deliveries and new seats.
A big new terminal and a major airport upgrade
Abu Dhabi International Airport, home to Etihad Airways, finally fully opened its Terminal A in late 2023 after experiencing significant delays. This large-scale facility represents a substantial improvement that will enable Etihad to provide enhanced connections, a more comfortable space for passengers, and new lounges as the airline expands into 2024.
Over at Los Angeles LAX, the major development is not within the terminals but rather outside. The Automated People Mover train system at the airport, which includes six stations, has been completed after a five-year process. This system connects the terminals with the new rental car facility, ride-hailing zones, parking lots, and the new Metro Transit Center station for the local C and K Metro Rail lines.
The upcoming improvements to the airport, set to open in 2024, are expected to significantly reduce traffic congestion. Additionally, airports worldwide are implementing various quality-of-life enhancements, including advanced bag scanners and integrated airline and airport apps, to streamline the security process and expedite boarding.
An artist's rendering of the new LAX Automated People Mover train system.
Los Angeles World Airports/AP
New small planes will make a big difference onboard
The major development revolves around the Airbus A321XLR, which is the extended-range model within the Airbus A320neo series of narrow-body aircraft. The XLR designation reflects its capability to cover a distance of 4,700 nautical miles, equivalent to approximately nine to 10 hours of flight time. Despite facing some setbacks, it is anticipated to commence commercial operations by late 2024.
The A320neo is well-known for its use on shorter flights, but the XLR version can fly much further, providing airlines with more cost-effective options. Its extended range opens up new routes, referred to as "long and thin," that were previously inaccessible to smaller planes due to limited passenger demand and distance.
Flavien Tête, co-founder and chief executive officer of Flight-Report.com, expressed optimism about the potential impact of the new aircraft on city pairs and existing routes. He emphasized the potential for increased convenience and frequency. Tête highlighted the advantages of the smaller plane, including shorter boarding and deboarding times, as well as the introduction of new cabins. He noted that the A321XLR will offer improved seating and a cozy ambiance, setting it apart from the previous narrow-body fleet.
Stelias Opera premium business class suites are expected on some A321XLR aircraft.
Franck Socha/Stelia
The A321XLR will introduce a major upgrade in its business class with new spacious suites featuring doors, similar to the design introduced by JetBlue on its Airbus A321LR for flights to Europe. The innovative Opera suite from Stelia and Vue suite from Safran will set a new standard for comfort, surpassing traditional business class seats.
In the economy, you can anticipate the familiar fully equipped seats with large entertainment screens, power outlets, and in-flight WiFi options that you are accustomed to on long flights. Additionally, newer seats like the Recaro CL3810 have been designed to provide extra legroom by removing some of the support structures at the knee and shin level.
Qantas in Australia is set to receive its initial A321XLRs in 2024, and the airline has already begun introducing its first Airbus A220 aircraft, replacing older Boeing 717s while also enhancing space and amenities for its regional flights.
A flock of new big planes mean new seats and services
A Japan Airlines Airbus A350-1000
Airbus
As the air travel industry rebounds from the pandemic, newly ordered aircraft are being delivered with updated cabins and seating. Japan Airlines is scheduled to begin service with its first Airbus A350-1000 in January 2024, flying initially to New York and later to Dallas-Fort Worth in the spring. The aircraft will feature luxurious first class suites, spacious business suites, premium economy, and roomy economy seats, making it an aircraft worth noting.
Be on the lookout for the new headrest speakers in first and business class seats on the JAL A350s. Safran's Euphony system automatically adjusts to cabin noise, ensuring privacy for your listening experience. While not ideal for loud music or movies, it's perfect for falling asleep to a documentary or podcast without the need for bulky headsets or earbuds. On the other hand, Lufthansa is set to upgrade its first, business, premium, and economy seats with the Allegris generation of products, but production delays may cause a wait for the improved onboard experience.
Lufthansa is expected to introduce its Allegris seating.
Air India is set to receive its first self-designed A350s, following a rebrand that includes new airplane paint jobs and sleek uniforms from fashion designer Manish Malhotra. The airline will be taking delivery of A350s previously intended for Russias Aeroflot in late 2023, marking the debut of Air India-designed cabins with all-new seats.
Emirates will receive its first A350 in mid-2024, featuring new seats to be revealed later. The airline also intends to replace the older business class seats on its Boeing 777 planes, addressing the current seat age issue.
American Airlines will introduce new seats for both narrow-body and wide-body aircraft.
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Furthermore, Airbus plans to increase the deliveries of its improved "NPS" (New Production Standard) A350s, featuring a slightly updated cabin.
Passengers will benefit from thinner side walls and increased space for galley kitchens, meal storage, lavatories, and crew areas at the front and back of the plane.
Airlines maintaining the 3-3-3 seat layout will provide passengers with more shoulder room due to the 4-inch-wider cabins. However, there are reports of airlines, such as Etihad based in Abu Dhabi, adding a 10th seat to every economy row.
However, there is some positive news for the economy: Air New Zealand is set to introduce its Skynest bunks on flights to New York and Chicago in 2024, offering six pods for passengers to get some much-needed rest. The airline plans to charge between $400 to $600 for a four-hour snooze.
Daniel Baron, the managing director of Lift Aero Design in Tokyo and an aircraft cabin designer, highlights that "the post-Covid era has led to a surge in complaints about the customer experience, with frustrations about long lines at airports, mishandled baggage, crowded lounges, additional fees for previously complimentary services, and limited space in always-packed economy class."
Baron anticipates that airlines will invest more in improving the economy class cabin experience by increasing seat comfort, enhancing aesthetics, and providing free connectivity. This will include upgrades such as better seat cushions, vibrant colors, snack counters, and mood lighting. It is crucial for airlines to offer practical and appealing upgrades that will maintain passengers' enthusiasm for air travel.
The introduction of these new aircraft gives airlines the option to either retire their older fleets or open up new routes to different destinations.
Be on the lookout for upcoming schedule announcements, particularly for intercontinental flights. There are a lot of new nonstop services emerging on transatlantic and transpacific routes, making travel much more convenient.
