Airline wrap is back at last, although it’s only been a week really. Gosh you’re all impatient! Just kidding, enjoy dear readers and feel the knowledge seeping in.

New Arrival Lounges will Hit London Heathrow Airport

A new wave of luxury lounges is set to hit London Heathrow Airport thanks to an expansion by Plaza Premium Group. Plans have been announced for two new lounges to be opened by the group, both to feature landside in Terminals 3 and 4.

The two additions will join the already impressive roster of lounges that Plaza Premium Lounge already has available including a lounge in Terminal 2 arrivals which opened in 2014.

The arrivals lounge in Terminal 4, which is due to open late March has a capacity of 75 people and features a lounge and bar area, a multi-function room and 25 luxury shower rooms. The lounge will also feature a new, unparalleled airport dining experience called Flight Club focusing on healthy dining.

The Plaza Premium Lounges are open to all passengers whether they are flying economy class or business class. Priority Pass and Dragon Pass are accepted as well as independent travellers who can pay on entry with no prior booking needed.

LATAM Airlines announces “Last Call” for South America

LATAM Airlines Group (LATAM) has launched a new sale, inspiring travellers to take flight and discover four of South America’s hot spots. From today to 12 April, 2017, travellers can book “Last Call” fares to Buenos Aires, Sao Paulo, Rio and Lima starting from as little as AUD$1,289*.

Departing from Sydney, Melbourne, Brisbane and Perth, LATAM’s “Last Call” fares are valid for travel commencing 14 May through to 6 November, 2017.

For those wanting to explore Buenos Aires, the Paris of South America, fares start from AUD$1,289 economy and AUD$4,399 business class. The secrets of Sao Paulo can be discovered from AUD$1,289 economy class, while fares to lively Lima start from AUD$1,499 economy class. Travellers wanting to experience vibrant Rio de Janeiro can book tickets from AUD$1,469 economy class.

Record F$84.5M Profit for Fiji Airways Group

The Fiji Airways Group achieved its biggest pre-tax profit ever during the fiscal year that ended December 31, 2016, a total of F$84.5 million (approximately AUD $53.4million).  The record profit reflects what a successful year it has been for the airline who have seen a steady growth in 2016.

The Key highlights from 2016 included:

• Launch of new route to San Francisco via Nadi, providing Australians another route option to travel to the popular US destination (that will extend to year-round (from seasonal) this year as mentioned below)
• Concluding a ground breaking package deal for five new Boeing 737 MAX 8 aircraft (for delivery in 2018 and 2019)
• Announcement of a new Australian direct route in 2017: Fiji Airways will fly direct from Adelaide to Fiji from 30 June (Fiji Airways currently offers direct flights from Sydney, Melbourne and Brisbane)
• Undertaking a major onboard product refresh, including inflight entertainment, meals, wines, welcome cocktail and mocktail, and Business Class amenity kit. 
• Start of operations using the new A330-300 aircraft on long-haul routes, offering a Quiet Zone and Extra Legroom product for guests.

Etihad Airways to Commence A380 Flights to Paris

Etihad Airways will introduce its award-winning A380 to the Abu Dhabi–Paris route this (northern hemisphere) summer as part of seasonal adjustments to the airline’s fleet deployment plan.

The flagship aircraft, which features The Residence, will operate one of the airline’s twice-daily services to the French capital between 1 July and 28 October. This will make Paris the airline’s newest A380 long-haul destination following Sydney, Melbourne, London, and New York.

The aircraft upgrade – from a 328-seat Boeing 777 – enables Etihad Airways to offer an all-A380 daily service from both Sydney and Melbourne to Paris via the airline’s Abu Dhabi hub. The additional A380 capacity will deliver more premium cabin seats in the First Apartments and Business Studios to meet strong business and leisure demand to Paris during the peak summer months.

Etihad Airways Flight EY31 has a scheduled departure time of 02:15 from Abu Dhabi International Airport, arriving at Paris Charles de Gaulle Airport at 07:50, with the return flight EY32 leaving the French capital at 10:40, arriving in Abu Dhabi at 19:30. (all times are local).

Lufthansa further increases capacity in Bangkok

Thailand has once again proven to be one of the most important growing markets within the Lufthansa Group network. As of 29 October 2017, Lufthansa will be operating daily an Airbus A380 between Bangkok and Frankfurt, replacing the existing Boeing 747-400 for the winter timetable.

With this change of aircraft, there is an increase of more than 35% capacity from October 2017 to March 2018 on this route.

Lufthansa Airbus A380 carries 509 passengers in total and features First Class (8 seats), Business Class (78 seats), Premium Economy (52 seats) and Economy (371 seats).

Since third quarter of 2015, Lufthansa is the only airline in the world that offers consistent products across all long-haul fleets in every travel class. In addition, the powerful FlyNet broadband internet service is also available onboard all long-haul flights.