1.
Air India is undergoing an overhaul under Tata Group ownership. Hundreds of new aircraft are on order, including gleaming A350s with improved cabins on New Delhi to New York and Heathrow routes. Up next? The refurbishing of older long-haul aircraft. 

2.
The new PDX Airport in Portland, Oregon, was unveiled in August. It might now be the best airport in the US thanks to its top-notch shops, restaurants and bars. The trees and greenery throughout the departure hall are a nice addition. 

3.
LAX’s Delta One lounge has been opened and it looks more like something we might expect to see in Asia or the Gulf. Its new jfk lounge is similarly outstanding. We hope that US airlines continue to improve their premium ground services, which make a difference at busy airports such as lax.

4.
Japan Airlines’ new A350-1000 is spreading its wings to more long-haul destinations, with updated cabins and impressive Business and First Class offerings. It runs between Tokyo and London, and Dallas and New York, with more destinations to come soon. 

5.
United Airlines is distinguishing itself with some creative and downright bold route planning. The latest round of programming includes service from New York to Nuuk, the capital of Greenland. UA is also launching routes within Asia, bucking the trend of US airlines farming out this kind of flying to partners. 

6.
Etihad Airways is back to growth mode after years of cutbacks. It is rolling out new Business Class cabins across almost the entire fleet, reactivating a380s and relaunching 30 routes over the coming months. Combine this with the newly opened Abu Dhabi terminal – a huge improvement over the old – and Etihad looks increasingly like a real competitor to other Gulf carriers, not just a niche neighbour. 

7.
Cathay Pacific has new Aria Business Class suites and will soon debut its Halo Cabin in First Class. It’s nice to see CX returning to prominence and investing in its product once again. 

8.
Qatar Airways looks set to take a 25 per cent stake in Virgin Australia as the former fights a losing battle with the Australian government to fly additional services in the country. There’s speculation that QR could use the Virgin tie-up to get around restrictions by leasing its aircraft to the carrier. 

9.
Air France is poised to provide free Starlink wifi, joining a small but growing list of airlines to do so. But more eyes might be on AF’s revamped La Première First Class, which will hopefully enter service in 2025. 

10.
Scandinavian Airlines is relaunching a European Business Class service with a blocked middle seat. The move came just days after the carrier left Star Alliance to join Skyteam. Until now, the airline has only had a premium “Plus” service and filled every seat, including middles.