oneworld

American Airlines will expand its premium economy service in the new year. In January, the airline will start accommodating premium economy passengers on flights from Dallas-Fort Worth to Paris, and in February, flights from Dallas to Seoul will be included. The service is only available on international flights and will be made available in early 2017, according to the airline. Premium economy is expected to take flight in April. American Airlines debuted the service in November—on routes from Dallas to Sao Paulo and Madrid—on its 4 new Boeing 787-9 Dreamliners. When the airline’s new Airbus A350s enter service in 2017, those aircraft will also have premium economy on-board. The move to expand premium economy offerings comes after American Airlines announced its no-frills “basic economy fares” last year. <br/>

LATAM Airlines Group and Qatar Airways have completed their transaction in which the Middle East airline has taken a 10% stake in the Latin America group. The deal, which sees Qatar Airways invest some US$600m through a capital increase in LATAM, was completed Dec 28, LATAM announced. “The entrance of Qatar Airways as a shareholder of LATAM represents a unique opportunity to develop a long-term relationship and explore new opportunities for connectivity with Asia and the Middle East,” LATAM said. The transaction was granted Brazilian regulatory approval in November. But LATAM is still waiting for approval of a transatlantic immunised joint venture with British Airways and Iberia. Qatar Airways also has a 15% stake in IAG. <br/>