Air Travel: New Planes, Free Wine

A number of new updates on new planes topped this week in air travel news.

This week Singapore Airlines announced that it will become the first airline in the world to operate the new Boeing 787-10, with Osaka as the new aircraft’s first destination. The airline has 49 of the new aircraft on firm order, with the first scheduled for delivery this March. After a number of training flights between Bangkok and Kuala Lumpur, Singapore Airlines will operate the new aircraft on its flights to Osaka. The new plane will also mark the debut of the airline’s new regional cabin products, with 337 seats in total – 36 in Business Class and 301 in Economy Class. Details on the new cabins are set to be announced soon.

This week Boeing also reported that its new 737 MAX 9 has been officially certified for commercial service by the Federal Aviation Administration. The new plane provides Boeing’s airline customers with three additional seat rows compared to the previous iteration, the 737 MAX 8, for a capacity of up to 220 passengers.

Finally, in airline policy news, Alaska Airlines announced that it is expanding its Wine Flies Free program all along the West Coast. The program allows the airline’s Mileage Plan members departing from cities in California, Oregon, Washington and Idaho to check an entire case of wine for free. To celebrate the expansion, Alaska Airlines will also offer a complimentary glass of wine to guests 21 and older on select flights on National Drink Wine Day, Sunday, February 18.

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