airBaltic introduces new ticket types

The Latvian national airline airBaltic has introduced new ticket types for both Economy and Business Class.  The carrier now offers Economy Basic, Economy Classic, Economy Flex, Business Experience, and Business.

Gone are the green plus, green classic fare levels and in come a more easily understandable fare structure......

  

	Economy Basic	Economy Classic	Economy Flex	Business Experience	Business
Date change	EUR 50 per direction	EUR 50 per direction	Free	EUR 50 per direction	Free
Refund	Not applicable	Not applicable	EUR 25 per direction or for free if on gift voucher	Not applicable	Free
Name change	EUR 200 per ticket	EUR 200 per ticket	EUR 100 per ticket	EUR 100 per ticket	Free
Cabin baggage	Included	Included	Included	Included	Included
Checked baggage	For purchase	One piece	Two piece	Two piece	Two piece
Priority check-in	For purchase	For purchase	Included	Included	Included
Fast track	For purchase	For purchase	For purchase	Included	Included
Priority boarding	Not included	Not included	Included	Included	Included
Seat reservation	For purchase	Included	Included	Included	Included
Meal	For purchase	For purchase	For purchase	Included	Included

The new Economy Classic, previously known as Green Plus, will continue to include one checked bag and now features the added benefit of free seat reservation. This enhancement allows passengers to select their preferred seats at no extra cost, ensuring a more comfortable journey. Furthermore, this ticket type will now also be available on third-party websites and through travel agencies.

The Economy Flex ticket, formerly known as Green Classic, offers even greater flexibility for travellers. Customers can change their travel dates without a fee or receive a full refund for a EUR 25 fee (per passenger, per direction). Additionally, Economy Flex includes free seat selection, a generous baggage allowance with two checked bags, and priority boarding, ensuring a smoother and more comfortable travel experience.

All Economy Class tickets will continue to include one piece of hand luggage up to eight kilograms, with the option to extend the weight limit to 12 kilograms.

Business Class tickets provide travellers with a full-service experience, featuring priority check-in, front-row seating with extra space, and an extensive baggage allowance for both cabin and checked baggage. Passengers will enjoy three-course gourmet meal and beverages, along with faster disembarkation upon arrival. The Business Experience fare offers a more affordable option with a different ticket policy, while the Business fare includes all the traditional benefits of Business Class travel, including full flexibility, ensuring a premium journey.

Customers who purchased tickets before September 25, 2024, will retain the previous ticket fares along with their original packages and rules.

Many jobs available at airBaltic

SMBC Aviation Capital to lease 20 A321neo aircraft to United

SMBC Aviation Capital, one of the world's leading aircraft leasing companies, confirmed that it has signed definitive lease agreements with United Airlines for twenty Airbus A321neo aircraft.

The aircraft, previously announced as part of United’s fleet plan in April, are scheduled to deliver from 2026 and will come from SMBC Aviation Capital’s direct Airbus orderbook.

This deal announcement is in addition to a recently completed 20 aircraft (Boeing 737-8 MAX) sale and leaseback transaction between SMBC Aviation Capital and United Airlines.

“The relationship between SMBC and United has never been stronger and these leases are a meaningful part of our efforts to optimize our balance sheet and to increase our return on capital,” said Michael Leskinen, United’s Chief Financial Officer. “We thank SMBC for its continued support and partnership.”

Barry Flannery, Chief Commercial Officer, SMBC Aviation Capital said:  “These, new, more fuel efficient aircraft will allow United to further grow their fleet and we are delighted to support them in this strategy. These agreements highlight the importance of our long-standing relationship with United and we look forward to many more years of successful partnership.”

 

Hyatt announces plans for the first Andaz Hotel in Australia

Hyatt Hotels has entered into agreements with partners for a new property in Australia, the Andaz Gold Coast will be part of an integrated resort masterplan, The Star Gold Coast will open in mid-2025.

“We are thrilled to announce plans to bring the Andaz brand to Australia’s premier resort destination in collaboration with The Star Gold Coast,” said David Udell, group president, Asia Pacific, Hyatt. “Hyatt has had a brand presence in Australia for over 40 years, and we are excited to expand our luxury, lifestyle and leisure offerings into sought-after destinations like the Gold Coast. This resort will complement our current portfolio of 10 hotels under five distinct brands in Australia, including Park Hyatt, Grand Hyatt, Hyatt Regency, Hyatt Centric and Hyatt Place.”

The Star Gold Coast General Manager of Hotels Steve McPharlin said, “We are delighted to welcome Andaz Gold Coast to our world-class tourism and entertainment precinct. As part of The Star Gold Coast’s AU$2 billion (approximately US$1.33 billion) masterplan, we are proud to continue our investment in this dynamic city while also providing new employment opportunities alongside vibrant hospitality experiences.”