Airlines & airports

Etihad Airways has unveiled its new Business Suites that will have passengers in the pointy end facing the rear of the plane. Privacy screens will ensure passengers are not directly facing one another, while integration of the rear-facing seats in ‘dovetail’ formation allows increased business class capacity allowing 70 suites in its A380. Forward and backward facing seats will be configured 1-2-1, meaning all will have aisle access.

Travellers will be pleased that plummeting oil prices are set to have a positive impact on airline ticket prices. The International Air Transport Association (IATA) has announced an improved outlook for industry profitability in its Economic Performance of the Air Transport Industry report.

On a per-passenger basis, airlines will make a net profit of $7.08 in 2015, more than double the $3.38 earnings achieved in 2013. As lower industry costs and efficiencies are passed through, consumers are set to benefit substantially.