Airline News in Brief 2 April 2025

Air Cote D’Ivoire deploying Bluebox Wow on Airbus fleet: Bluebox Aviation Systems is pleased to announce its partnership with Air Côte D’Ivoire for the deployment of its Bluebox Wow wireless in-flight entertainment (IFE) system. This deployment will see Blueview running on battery-powered units across Air Côte D’Ivoire’s Airbus narrowbody fleet. The deployment is another milestone in airline’s plan for enhancing the passenger experience with digital innovation. Air Côte D’Ivoire, the national carrier of Ivory Coast, operates routes across Africa and is committed to providing a modern and engaging onboard experience for its passengers. The introduction of Blueview will offer seamless access to digital entertainment, a browser-based platform delivering a range of movie and tv content directly to passengers’ devices. Bluebox Wow is a lightweight, portable, and cost-effective wireless IFE solution, easily deployed across various aircraft types. With a simple, battery-powered design or aircraft powered, it provides an accessible and engaging passenger experience without requiring complex aircraft modifications. Akasa Air launches ‘Akasa Priority’: Akasa Air has introduced Akasa Priority, a service designed for travellers who value efficiency, comfort, and convenience. Whether flying domestically or internationally, Akasa Priority ensures a seamless journey from check-in to boarding, allowing customers to experience enhanced ease and comfort throughout their travel. Key features of Akasa Priority are: Priority Check-in-Customers can skip the queues and benefit from a streamlined check-in process, ensuring a hassle-free airport experience; Priority Bag Service-With expedited baggage handling, customers can enjoy peace of mind knowing their luggage will be among the first to arrive at their destination;  Priority Boarding-Customers can board ahead of others, allowing for a more relaxed and stress-free start to their journey. This offering focuses on convenience, affordability, and excellence in customer service at its core. By offering these benefits as a combined package, Akasa Priority provides a cost-effective solution for travellers who would otherwise need to purchase each service separately. This bundled option ensures greater value while enhancing the overall travel experience. HK Express Launches New Route to Yiwu: HK Express Airways (HK Express) announced the launch of exclusive direct flights between Hong Kong and Yiwu in Zhejiang Province, starting on 29 May 2025. Yiwu, located in Zhejiang Province, boasts an irresistible charm and is home to one of the world’s largest wholesale markets─Yiwu International Trade City. With an extensive variety of products, it is a paradise for savvy businessmen. Travellers can wander through the esteemed Fotang Town and tap into its centuries-old spiritual heritage, ascend the historic Jiming Pavillion and take in its rich cultural tapestry, or savour local culinary delights at the Santinglu Night Market! Additionally, Hengdian World Studios, known as China’s “Hollywood”, boasts live performances, themed amusement parks, and film workshops that make it a must-visit for travellers. Finnair’s spring sale for flights to Asia: Finland’s flag carrier, Finnair, has announced a new spring sale for UK customers in London and Manchester, offering limited-time savings across its extensive Asian network. The new sale includes a range of Finnair’s most popular destinations, to inspire Brits who are looking to book a last minute break or exciting summer getaway. Discounted routes include flights to Asian metropolises such as Hong Kong from £486, or why not celebrate Singapore’s 60 years of independence this summer with return flights from only £496. British customers looking for a once in a lifetime Japanese adventure can also take advantage of the sale, with return flights to the undiscovered region of Nagoya priced at £772 this spring. What’s more, Finnair’s spring sale will see the price of return flights to Seoul cut to as little as £567, while the bustling city of Shanghai can be booked for only £470 return. Anssi Partanen, Finnair Market Director Europe, said: “With summer on the horizon, we are ready to put a spring in our customers’ step, launching limited-time savings across our long-haul network to Asia. “It’s great to see such popular destinations included in the sale, making once in a lifetime long-haul experiences more accessible for UK customers during the spring and summer months.” Services to Asia have also been specifically timed to allow for easy connections from Finnair’s UK destinations – including London Heathrow, Manchester and Edinburgh, with smooth and easy transfers between flights from as little as 40 minutes, thanks to all flights operating from the same terminal. For Editorial Inquiries Contact: Editor Matt Driskill at [email protected] For Advertising Inquiries Contact: Head of Sales Kay Rolland at [email protected]