New First-Class Suites, Futuristic Aircraft and the Top Air Travel News From April 2025

Although some airlines are trimming flights and remaining cautious amid larger economic uncertainty, many carriers still unveiled some exciting new products this month. 

From deluxe premium seats and revamped airport lounges to investments in futuristic aircraft and new route announcements, here’s a look at the air travel headlines from this month.

Airlines Unveiled New, More Spacious Seats

International airlines announced some exciting new products in April 2025. United Arab Emirates carrier Etihad Airways unveiled new first-class suites that will fly on board its forthcoming Airbus A321LR planes starting in August 2025, plus new business-class and economy cabins for the same aircraft. 

Japanese carrier All Nippon Airways announced new seats in premium economy and economy coming to its Boeing 787-9 planes starting in 2026. Those new products will give fliers on long-haul routes more legroom.

And airplane maker Airbus unveiled jaw-dropping new designs for a massive new first-class suite. The suite design is a prototype to show airlines what type of ultra-premium products are possible aboard its A350-1000 planes, and it features two sofas that fold down into a double-wide bed, as well as a dining setup for two passengers.

United Airlines Made Bets on Futuristic Aircraft 

United announced new investments in two startup aircraft companies. The Chicago-based airline is partnering with Archer, an electric air taxi company, to eventually launch an air taxi network in New York City. Once up and running, the network will shuttle United passengers from vertiports in Manhattan to the three NYC airports, as well as airports in Westchester and on Long Island. 

The second futuristic investment United made this month was with blended wing body aircraft designer JetZero. The company’s innovative planes minimize fuel consumption while creating a more spacious onboard experience for passengers. With its investment in the company, United has a path to purchase up to 100 aircraft.

Airline Lounges Got Bigger and Better

Carriers in the United States made moves to spiff up their lounge offerings, debuting brand new lounges, renovated spaces, and revamped gourmet menus. Delta Air Lines cut the ribbon on its new SkyClub at Atlanta’s Hartsfield-Jackson Airport (ATL). Located in Concourse D, the new SkyClub is Delta’s eighth location at ATL and the second-largest Delta lounge at the airline’s home airport.

American Airlines tapped Philadelphia chef Randy Rucker to design the culinary offerings at its forthcoming Flagship Lounge at Philadelphia International Airport (PHL), with dishes that spotlight the region’s seasonal ingredients.

Toward the end of April, United Airlines opened its expanded Polaris Lounge at Chicago O’Hare International Airport, which is 50 percent larger and has additional amenities like a second speakeasy-style bar and a bigger private dining room.

New Routes Coming Later This Year

April 2025 was a busy month for new routes among airlines in the U.S. and around the world.

Stateside, there were plenty of new domestic routes announced with Alaska Airlines adding three new nonstops from San Diego, Spirit Airlines unveiling plans to fly to Savannah, Georgia, for the first time, and JetBlue expanding its services out of Fort Lauderdale to the East Coast and South America. Delta Air Lines also said it would start operating more flights to Buenos Aires during the city’s peak travel season, too.

International airlines announced notable long-haul routes like EVA Air’s forthcoming Taipei-to-Dallas nonstop flight, and Fiji Airways’ just-launched flight to Cairns, Australia, which will make journeys to the Great Barrier Reef much smoother.

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