With the introduction of its Allegris onboard product in May 2024, Lufthansa promised to transform the travel experience for the long-haul flyer. Now, less than a year later, the German flag carrier has announced that it will be bringing its innovative premium cabin offering to three more routes across its network, bringing the total number of cities enjoying Allegris service to seven in 2025. So far, the elevated onboard product has only been available on flights from Munich to Bengaluru (BLR) since November 2024. However, from March 30, 2025, not only will the Indian destination be joined by flights from Munich to San Francisco (SFO), Shanghai (PVG), and Chicago (ORD), but these will also be joined by those from Munich to San Diego (SAN) on this date. Services to New York-Newark (EWR) will see Allegris from April 15, 2025, with flights to Charlotte joining from August 2025. “I am delighted that we are offering our guests Lufthansa Allegris on more and more routes. For flights to the USA alone, customers can choose between five destinations from Munich,” says Heiko Reitz, Chief Customer Officer Lufthansa Airlines. “We currently have nine A350-900s with Allegris on board at Lufthansa, six of which already offer our customers the new, highly exclusive First Class. Overall, our new cabin interior is extremely popular with guests – with satisfaction rates in Business Class of well over 90%.”<br/>
star
Asiana Airlines achieved its highest revenue ever last year, but one-time expenses incurred during the merger process with Korean Air caused operating profit to decline significantly compared to the previous year. On the 10th, Asiana Airlines reported that its operating profit for last year was provisionally estimated at 62.2b won, a decrease of 84.5% compared to the previous year. Revenue increased by 8.1% to 7t 592b won, reaching the highest level ever. The significant decline in operating profit was due to substantial one-time expenses, including expanded maintenance investment, alignment of accounting standards with Korean Air, and the return of aging aircraft. Last year's net loss was 478.5b won, marking a transition into the red. The steep rise in the exchange rate of the won to the dollar significantly contributed to foreign exchange losses amounting to 428.2b won.<br/>
Bangkok-based Star Alliance member Thai Airways will launch Airbus A321neo operations next year. Last week, global leasing company SMBC Aviation Capital announced that it had signed lease agreements with Thai Airways for eight A321neo aircraft. These eight aircraft are from the leasing firm’s direct Airbus orderbook and are scheduled to deliver in 2026 and 2027. The A321neos will be part of Thai Airways’ narrowbody fleet growth strategy as the carrier expands its regional network. Thai Airways had previously announced plans for 20 A321neos, so these eight aircraft are in addition to that. The configuration of the aircraft remains unknown at this stage, although one could hope that Thai Airways might follow the lead of the likes of STARLUX Airlines from Taiwan and Korean Air and install lie-flat business class seating on its A321neos.<br/>