Investigators have begun processing the cockpit voice and flight data recorders (CVRs and FDRs) recovered from the EgyptAir Airbus A320, which crashed into the Mediterranean Sea in May. The investigation committee started inspecting parts from the CVR and FDR June 18. The memory units from both devices have been removed and have undergone an 8-hour drying process. “Electrical tests of memory units of the recorders are in progress, which will be followed by the data unloading phase,” the Egyptian investigation committee said June 19. Data analysis could take several weeks and, depending on the state of the devices, they may need to be sent away for repair. DOS said the depth of the wreckage area is 3,000 meters. Its remotely operated search device is able to dive up to 6,000 meters. <br/>
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Brussels Airlines is introducing a third long-haul class, branded as Economy Plus, on its Airbus A330s from July 1. Any passengers traveling in Brussels Airlines economy class will be able to upgrade to Economy Plus for a E120 (US$135.27) one-way fee. The Economy Plus seats are located the first 4 rows of the economy cabin. They offer extra leg room and a 20-degree recline instead of the normal 8 degrees. Passengers who buy the product will also receive complimentary champagne and chocolates, an amenity kit and a linen pillow. “We see an increasing demand for a product between business class and economy class,” Brussels Airlines CCO Lars Redeligx said. The new cabin, which covers 32 seats on each A330, will be available on Brussels Airlines’ intercontinental flights to Africa, the US and Canada. <br/>
SIA missed out on an opportunity to take control of Virgin Australia after it was blindsided by Virgin's tie-up with Chinese conglomerate HNA Group, according to Capa. A recent announcement by Virgin said it was selling a 13% stake to HNA, which the group is expected to top up to 19.99%. Also, Air NZ, another stakeholder in Virgin Australia, said it was selling a 19.98% stake to China's Nanshan Group. The deals will ensure Virgin remains a viable competitor to Qantas, which retains 63% of the domestic market. The developments blindsided SIA, which was understood to be moving towards securing a 51% holding in the Australian carrier, Capa said. "That no longer seems a realistic option and perhaps puts an end to SIA's longstanding aspirations to own a dominant minority of the Australian market," Capa said. <br/>
Ethiopian Airlines will take delivery of the first of 14 Airbus A350 XWBs June 28, making it Africa’s first operator of the type. The carrier said all seats are fitted with the latest high-definition touchscreen personal monitors and a higher selection of movies, television series and audio channels. Inflight Wi-Fi connection will be made available on this aircraft in the future. Group CE Tewolde Gebremariam said, “The Airbus 350 XWB will enable us to further expand our service quality—especially on long-haul flights—and strengthen our connectivity with the least carbon emissions to our planet. Operating the youngest fleet in the industry with modern and comfortable customer features in our cabins is one of the four pillars of our Vision 2025 … and the introduction of the A350 is one component of this strategy." <br/>