High-tech planes taking off next year
Airbus’s newest plane will shake up route maps around the world
Aviation geeks have been following the launch of Airbus’s new A321XLR plane with bated breath. The new variant—whose letters stand for “extra long range”—is capable of flying 4,700 nautical miles. The compact, single-aisle aircraft is expected to allow airlines to add more exciting long-distance routes without bearing the financial burden of filling up a huge widebody plane. Plus it burns 30% less fuel, which means less carbon emitted, too. The plane made its first-ever commercial flight in November 2024 with Iberia on its route from Boston to Madrid. In 2025, the aircraft is slated to roll out to airlines across the globe. American Airlines will use the aircraft to fly from New York and Boston to Los Angeles and San Francisco in 2025, with plans to eventually use it on Europe-bound routes. Qantas, Wizz Air, and IndiGo, all plan to add the plane to their fleets next year, as well as Aer Lingus, who will use the aircraft to launch its new route between Dublin and Nashville in April.
Emirates will launch its first-ever Airbus A350 planes
Emirates enthusiasts will get a treat next year when the carrier’s long-awaited Airbus A350-900 planes are finally delivered. The planes will feature a “next generation” business class, plus the carrier’s popular premium economy and regular economy seats too. Little has been revealed about the new A350 business class cabin beyond the fact that the seats will be provided by Safran—the same company that designed Emirates’ business class seats on the A380 planes—and it will likely be laid out in a 1-2-1 configuration with aisle access for each passenger. When the first 10 aircraft are delivered in 2025, they’re expected to go from Dubai to some glamorous destinations, including: Edinburgh, Scotland; Ahmedabad, India; Bahrain; Muscat, Oman; Kuwait City, Kuwait; Mumbai, India; Colombo, Sri Lanka; Lyon, France; and Bologna, Italy.
US travelers will have more chances to fly spacious Airbus A380 planes
The beloved Airbus A380 double-decker plane has recently been making an audacious comeback—one that will continue to pick up into 2025. For US travelers, fresh options to fly the luxe superjumbo jet next year include routes aboard top international airlines. Beginning in March 2025, German carrier Lufthansa will deploy A380s on a bevy of US routes out of Munich for the summer season, including flights to Los Angeles, Boston, New York, and Washington DC. In August, Australian carrier Qantas will bring its A380 back to its route between Sydney and Dallas for the first time since the pandemic, while Etihad plans to bring one of its A380s—which are known for the lavish Etihad Residence on the upper deck—to a new yet-to-be-named US destination next year. The Abu Dhabi-based carrier already flies one US superjumbo route to New York-JFK.
Airport improvements rolling out in 2025
JetBlue will make its foray into the airport lounges
JetBlue will offer a premium airport lounge for the first time ever in 2025. The inaugural lounge will debut at New York-JFK’s Terminal 5 late next year, with another location in Boston following soon after. The airline plans to limit complimentary lounge access to only its top frequent flier tier, transatlantic Mint customers, and holders of a new premium credit card it plans to launch in coming months. But any JetBlue passenger will be able to purchase a day pass or an annual subscription. Details have yet to be released, but we know the JFK location will measure 8,000 square feet. Other lounges to get excited about in 2025 include a new American Express Centurion location opening in Salt Lake City; sleek Chase Sapphire Lounges debuting in Phoenix and Las Vegas; and a modern Delta One lounge coming to Seattle.
Pittsburgh will unveil a futuristic airport terminal
A visionary new terminal is slated to open at Pittsburgh International Airport in the third quarter of 2025. The project will streamline the passenger experience, reducing the amount of time it takes to get from curbside to airside by 50%. Aside from the smoother logistics, the airport will be beautiful, with plenty of natural elements incorporated in its design. An undulating roof will mimic Western Pennsylvania’s rolling hills, while a wooden ceiling on the interior will include vast skylights, wooden beams designed to look like trees, and lighting fixtures meant to evoke starry constellations. The best part? The terminal will have four outdoor decks (two of which will be beyond security) where passengers can get a dose of fresh air and nature before they board their flights. By the looks of the renderings, these green spaces will be landscaped with trees, flowers, and plenty of grass for a respite from the typical stress of air travel.
TSA will simplify security procedures for US-bound international flights
Starting in 2025, the TSA will make it easier for fliers making a connection from a US-bound international flight. Currently, travelers who land in the US from abroad and are making a connection need to go through an additional round of security screening. (Say you’re flying from Rome to Charlotte, with a layover at New York-JFK. Under the current rules, you have to go through another TSA checkpoint at JFK before you board your flight to Charlotte.) That will change when the TSA launches its “One Stop Security” program. Under the initiative, passengers would undergo one screening at the international point of departure. The program should roll out at its first international destination sometime in 2025, TSA Administrator David Pekoske said at the Skift Global Forum in September.