This article is based on an official press release from Edelweiss Air.

Edelweiss Unveils New A350 Cabin: Business Suites, Hard-Shell Premium Economy, and Free Starlink Wi-Fi

Edelweiss Air has officially presented the future cabin interiors for its Airbus A350-900 fleet, marking a significant upgrade in passenger comfort and onboard technology. Announced on January 20, 2026, the Swiss leisure airline revealed a completely new configuration that prioritizes personal space and connectivity.

The new cabin, designed under the motto “More room to feel good,” will feature 319 seats across three classes, a reduction from the temporary 339-seat layout currently in use. According to the airline, the retrofit program is scheduled to begin in late 2026, with the first aircraft featuring the new interior entering commercial service in December 2026.

Business Class: Suites and Direct Aisle Access

The most substantial upgrade is found in the Business Class cabin, which will accommodate 32 passengers in a 1-2-1 configuration using the Thompson Vantage XL+ platform. This layout ensures that every passenger has direct access to the aisle, eliminating the need to step over a neighbor.

The Business Suites

Edelweiss is introducing an exclusive “Business Suite” product in the first row of the cabin. These four seats offer enhanced privacy and space compared to the standard business class offering.

“The first row consists of four exclusive Business Suites… featuring 1.2-meter high closable doors, larger footwells, and a wider seat area.”

Passengers in these suites will view entertainment on massive 32-inch 4K screens. Additionally, the middle suites feature adjustable dividers, allowing couples to dine or relax together comfortably.

Standard Business Features

Rows 2 through 9 feature standard business class seats that convert into fully flat beds measuring two meters in length. The airline notes that these seats include high-quality acoustic insulation and privacy wings to ensure a restful journey. Entertainment is provided via 17-to-19-inch 4K screens.

Premium Economy and Economy Upgrades

Edelweiss is expanding its premium offerings with a dedicated Premium Economy cabin and significant enhancements to the standard Economy experience.

Hard-Shell Premium Economy

The new Premium Economy cabin will consist of 28 seats in a 2-3-2 layout. A key feature of this cabin is the use of hard-shell seats. Unlike traditional reclining seats, these recline within their own fixed shell, ensuring that a passenger’s personal space is never intruded upon by the person seated in front of them.

According to the press release, these seats offer approximately one meter (39 inches) of legroom. Service upgrades for this class include welcome drinks, meals served on china tableware, and the provision of noise-canceling headphones identical to those used in Business Class.

Economy Class Enhancements

The Economy cabin will hold 259 seats in a 3-3-3 configuration. While maintaining high density, Edelweiss has introduced specific comfort improvements:

• Increased Legroom: Pitch has been increased by 3 cm compared to previous cabins.
• Better Sleep: A greater seat tilt angle and 6-way adjustable headrests are designed to improve rest on long-haul flights.
• Design: The cabin features blue woven fabrics and fine stitching to evoke a “calm, timeless ambiance.”

Connectivity and Technology

In a move that sets a high standard for leisure carriers, Edelweiss announced that the entire A350 fleet will be equipped with high-speed satellite internet.

Free Starlink Wi-Fi

The airline confirmed that high-speed internet via Starlink will be available to all guests in all classes, free of charge. This allows for streaming and high-bandwidth activities that were previously difficult to manage on traditional inflight networks.

Power and Entertainment

To support the use of personal devices, every seat in the aircraft, including Economy, will feature USB-A and USB-C ports with 60W power delivery, which is sufficient to charge most laptops. The inflight entertainment system features 4K anti-glare screens with Bluetooth audio connectivity, allowing passengers to pair their own wireless headphones.

Fleet Rollout and Timeline

Edelweiss is currently in a transition phase, replacing its aging Airbus A340-300s with six Airbus A350-900s. The A350s that joined the fleet in 2025 are currently operating with a temporary interior inherited from the previous operator, LATAM.

The timeline for the new cabin rollout is as follows:

• Summer 2026: Bookings open for flights featuring the new cabin.
• December 2026: The first aircraft with the new interior enters service.
• July 2027: The retrofit of all six aircraft is expected to be complete.

AirPro News Analysis

The decision to reduce the total seat count from 339 (in the temporary configuration) to 319 signals a strategic shift for Edelweiss. While leisure airlines typically prioritize density to lower unit costs, Edelweiss is aligning closer to the premium standards of its parent company, Lufthansa Group.

The inclusion of “Business Suites” with doors and hard-shell Premium Economy seats places Edelweiss competitively against full-service legacy carriers rather than just low-cost holiday airlines. Furthermore, the adoption of free Starlink Wi-Fi across all classes is a significant differentiator that addresses one of the most common passenger complaints on long-haul flights: poor connectivity.

Frequently Asked Questions

When will the new Edelweiss A350 cabin be available?
The first aircraft featuring the new cabin is scheduled to enter service in December 2026. The full fleet retrofit will be finished by July 2027.

Is Wi-Fi free on Edelweiss A350 flights?
Yes. Once the new cabin is installed, high-speed Starlink Wi-Fi will be free for all passengers in all classes.

What is the difference between the current and new A350 interiors?
The current A350s fly with a temporary ex-LATAM interior (339 seats). The new custom Edelweiss interior will have 319 seats, including a new Business Class with doors, a dedicated Premium Economy with hard-shell seats, and updated technology throughout.

Sources: Edelweiss Air Press Release

This article is based on an official press release from the City of Chicago.

O’Hare Unveils “Orchard-Inspired” Vision for New Concourse D

On Thursday, February 5, 2026, Chicago Mayor Brandon Johnson and the Chicago Department of Aviation (CDA) released a detailed animated preview of “The New Concourse D” at O’Hare International Airports. Formerly known as Satellite Concourse 1, this $1.3 billion infrastructure project represents a pivotal phase in the airport’s massive ORDNext expansion program.

According to the official announcement, the new facility is currently under construction following a groundbreaking ceremony in August 2025. Scheduled to open to the public in late 2028, Concourse D is designed to modernize the passenger experience with a focus on wellness, natural light, and operational flexibility. The project is being led by the architectural firm Skidmore, Owings & Merrill (SOM), alongside partners Ross Barney Architects and Juan Gabriel Moreno Architects (JGMA).

The newly released video highlights a dramatic shift in design philosophy for the airport, moving away from industrial aesthetics toward a “nature-infused” environment that pays homage to the site’s history.

Design Philosophy: Returning to the Orchard

The central theme of the new concourse is a direct nod to O’Hare’s pre-aviation history as an apple orchard, originally known as Orchard Field, which gave the airport its “ORD” IATA code. The City of Chicago press release details how the interior architecture features tree-like structural columns that branch out to support the roof, creating a canopy effect intended to reduce travel stress.

A key feature of the design is the “Oculus,” a central skylight that serves as the building’s architectural focal point. The design team emphasizes that this feature is not merely aesthetic but functional, directing natural daylight deep into the building to aid in intuitive wayfinding.

“We designed the new satellite concourse to create a frictionless experience for travelers… The gate lounges feature column-free expanses for easy wayfinding, high ceilings to optimize views, and a daylighting strategy to help align the body’s natural rhythms.”

, Scott Duncan, Design Partner at SOM

The facility will include over 20,000 square feet of airline lounge space and 30,000 square feet dedicated to retail and concessions. In a move to accommodate modern traveler needs, the design also incorporates a dedicated children’s play area and multi-level communal seating equipped with integrated charging stations.

Operational Capacity and ORDNext Strategy

Beyond the aesthetics, Concourse D is a critical component of the broader ORDNext (formerly O’Hare 21) capital program. The expansion is necessary to maintain O’Hare’s status as a global hub by increasing gate capacity and flexibility.

According to the CDA, the concourse will add 19 new flexible gates to the airport’s portfolio. These gates are designed with versatility in mind, capable of accommodating:

• 19 wide-body Commercial-Aircraft for international routes, or
• Nearly double that number in narrow-body aircraft for domestic flights, depending on the daily configuration.

This flexibility allows the airport to adjust to shifting market demands between domestic and international travel without requiring physical construction changes.

“By breaking ground on Concourse D, we are taking a critical first step toward enhancing how the airport welcomes and serves more than 80 million passengers each year.”

, Michael McMurray, CDA Commissioner

Mayor Brandon Johnson emphasized the economic impact of the project, noting that it serves as an economic engine for the region. The city estimates the project will create approximately 3,800 construction jobs.

AirPro News Analysis

The rebranding of “Satellite 1” to “Concourse D” and the release of this high-fidelity animation signal a clear intent by Chicago officials to solidify the project’s identity before the steel rises significantly. By leaning heavily into the “Orchard” narrative, the CDA is attempting to differentiate O’Hare from other sterile, glass-and-steel global hubs.

From an operational standpoint, the “flexible gate” configuration is the most significant detail. As airline fleets evolve and the mix between wide-body international haulers and narrow-body domestic hoppers fluctuates, static gates can become liabilities. The ability to park two narrow-bodies in the footprint of one wide-body maximizes the return on Investments for this $1.3 billion asset, ensuring it remains relevant regardless of how airline strategies shift in the 2030s.

Timeline and Next Steps

The project is currently active, with construction managed by the joint venture AECOM Hunt Clayco Bowa. The timeline provided by the city outlines the following key milestones:

• August 18, 2025: Official Groundbreaking.
• February 5, 2026: Unveiling of final interior design and “Concourse D” naming.
• Late 2028: Projected completion and grand opening.

Concourse D is located just south of the existing Concourse C (Terminal 1) and will be connected via a new walkway extension. It serves as the precursor to the eventual demolition of Terminal 2, which will make way for the future O’Hare Global Terminal.

Frequently Asked Questions

Where is the new Concourse D located?
It is located directly south of the existing Concourse C at Terminal 1. It will be connected to the main terminal complex via a new walkway extension.

When will Concourse D open?
The City of Chicago and the Chicago Department of Aviation have scheduled the opening for late 2028.

Why is it called the “Orchard” design?
The design pays tribute to “Orchard Field,” the original name of the airfield that became O’Hare. The interior columns resemble trees, and the layout emphasizes nature and light.

How much will the project cost?
The budget for Concourse D is set at $1.3 billion.

Sources

• City of Chicago Press Release

This article is based on an official press release from Airbus and additional fleet data.

EgyptAir Accepts Delivery of First Airbus A350-900, Initiating Major Fleet Overhaul

EgyptAir has officially taken delivery of its first Airbus A350-900, registered as SU-GGE, marking a significant milestone in the carrier’s modernization strategy. The handover, which took place on February 9, 2026, positions the Cairo-based airline as the first operator of the A350-900 in North Africa.

According to an official press release from Airbus, this aircraft is the first of 16 A350-900s ordered by the Egyptian flag carrier. The delivery underscores EgyptAir’s commitment to phasing out older wide-body jets while expanding its long-haul network capabilities to new destinations in North America and Asia.

Fleet Modernization and Strategic Expansion

The arrival of the A350-900 represents a pivotal shift in EgyptAir’s long-haul operations. The airline originally signed for 10 aircraft during the Dubai Airshow in November 2023, later expanding the commitment with a top-up order for six additional units. These new airframes are intended to replace the carrier’s aging Boeing 777-300ER fleet, offering improved operating economics and passenger comfort.

In a statement regarding the initial order, Yehia Zakaria, EgyptAir Holding Chairman and CEO, highlighted the flagship status of the new type:

“The A350-900 will be our flagship aircraft… adding the world’s most modern and efficient widebody aircraft to our fleet will be instrumental in expanding our offering.”

Christian Scherer, Chief Commercial Officer at Airbus, noted the economic advantages the aircraft brings to the airline’s network:

“The A350 is the one and only aircraft enabling EgyptAir to open up its network with benchmark economic efficiency, not to mention passenger comfort.”

Operational Deployment

EgyptAir has outlined a phased entry-into-service plan for the new fleet. Initially, the aircraft will be deployed on trunk routes to London and Paris to facilitate crew familiarization. Following this integration period, the airline plans to leverage the A350’s 9,700 nautical mile range to launch non-stop services to the U.S. West Coast and key Asian markets, including Shanghai, Beijing, and Tokyo.

Cabin Configuration and Passenger Experience

The new A350-900 features a two-class configuration designed to maximize capacity while introducing updated premium amenities. According to fleet data, the aircraft accommodates a total of 340 passengers.

• Business Class: 30 suites in a 1-2-1 configuration, ensuring direct aisle access for all passengers and fully lie-flat beds.
• Economy Class: 310 seats featuring the “Airspace” cabin design, which includes wider seats, higher ceilings, and advanced LED ambient lighting intended to reduce jet lag.

Technological upgrades are a focal point of the new cabin. The aircraft is equipped with Panasonic Avionics’ Astrova in-flight entertainment system, providing 4K OLED screens and high-fidelity audio. Additionally, passengers across all classes will have access to USB-C fast charging ports and high-speed Wi-Fi connectivity.

Environmental Performance

The transition to the A350-900 aligns with broader industry sustainability goals. Powered by two Rolls-Royce Trent XWB engines, the aircraft is reported to burn 25% less fuel compared to the previous generation aircraft it replaces. This efficiency gain corresponds to a 25% reduction in CO2 emissions.

Furthermore, the A350 is recognized as the quietest aircraft in its class, possessing a noise footprint 50% smaller than older jets, a critical factor for operations at noise-sensitive airports in Europe and North America.

AirPro News Analysis: Regional Market Context

EgyptAir’s delivery secures its position as the sole active operator of the A350-900 in the North African region, a status solidified by the shifting strategies of its neighbors. While other carriers in the region had previously expressed interest in the type, market dynamics have led to cancellations and delays.

For instance, Air Algérie cancelled its order for A350-1000s in early 2025, opting instead for Airbus A330-900neos. Similarly, Tunisair cancelled its A350 commitments in 2013. Other regional orders, such as those from Libyan carriers Afriqiyah Airways and Libyan Airlines, remain stalled due to long-standing instability. Consequently, EgyptAir currently faces no direct regional competition operating this specific airframe, potentially offering it a product advantage on competitive routes connecting Africa to Europe and the Americas.

Sources:
Airbus Press Release