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Travelers who rely on mobility devices may find a more streamlined check-in process at American Airlines after the carrier rolled out automatic device tags across its network. Previously, tags for wheelchairs and other mobility aids needed to be manually completed and attached to the mobility device. Now, the airline and its regional partners have activated the capability of printing enhanced mobility device tags in the airport lobby, just like bag tags. “American is committed to improving the travel experience for our customers who use Wheelchairs and Mobility devices.” Julie Rath, American’s senior vice president of airports, reservations and service recovery, said in a statement. “Streamlining the check-in and tagging process is an industry leading effort that will help us further improve how we handle wheelchairs for our customers who entrust us to transport their devices on their journey.” According to the airline, the new tags include more specific data about the mobility devices, including full itineraries, delivery points, device weight, battery type and the number of components a customer removed and brought aboard as carry-on.<br/>

Middle Eastern carrier Qatar Airways is expanding its Boeing 777-9 commitment to include a further 20 aircraft. The agreement gives the Doha-based airline a total of 94 777X airframes, of which 60 are 777-9s. The 20 extra aircraft were previously attributed to an unidentified customer in Boeing’s order backlog. Qatar Airways had also previously ordered 34 of the 777-8F freighter in early 2022, a deal which initiated the variant’s development. All 777Xs are powered by GE Aerospace GE9X engines. Qatar Airways group chief Badr Mohammed Al-Meer says the carrier operates “one of the youngest fleets”. “Keeping an eye on the future, we continue to ensure that all Qatar Airways passengers are only met with the best products and services available in the industry,” he claims. Boeing has confirmed the addition of the Qatar jets to its order book.<br/>