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Rolls-Royce Advances UltraFan Program with Widebody Tests and Narrowbody Variant Design
Rolls-Royce is preparing to resume testing its 85,000lbf UltraFan engine this year while developing a 30,000lbf variant targeting narrowbody aircraft applications by 2028.
The gist
Rolls-Royce readies UltraFan 80 tests and progresses UltraFan 30 design for future aircraft propulsion needs.
Rolls-Royce is ramping up its UltraFan program with plans to return its widebody-scale 85,000lbf thrust UltraFan demonstrator to ground testing later this year. Assembly is underway at the Derby headquarters, with the power gearbox recently integrated with the core component, marking a key step towards testbed reinstatement before year-end. This next phase aims to advance maturation of UltraFan’s architecture and technology suite, building on initial run time of approximately 70 hours achieved during the 2023 campaign.
The upcoming tests will validate modifications made to the demonstrator’s core based on findings from earlier trials. Jeremy Hughes, head of demonstrator programmes, highlighted that updates aim to reduce risk primarily around the innovative low-pressure (LP) system architecture. This system introduces significant changes compared to conventional engines, making these tests vital for assessing performance, robustness, and durability under realistic conditions.
Concurrently, Rolls-Royce is progressing development of a smaller UltraFan 30 variant designed for narrowbody applications. The 30,000lbf thrust powerplant is scaled from the larger UltraFan architecture and recently completed its concept review in June, after being unveiled earlier this year. Strategic supplier alignment and supply chain preparations are underway, with component fabrication and assembly timelines targeting a first test run in 2028.
The UltraFan 30 demonstrator incorporates features absent in the widebody UltraFan 80, including a short inlet and ripple-edged outlet guide vanes, which have shown promise in prior aerodynamic and flight testing, including collaborations with Boeing. Although based around the Pearl business jet engine core, development continues on an advanced hot section that may integrate into the program’s longer-term evolution, possibly deriving from the Advance 2 core lineage.
Industrialisation and scaling of the power gearbox for the smaller engine present notable engineering challenges that Rolls-Royce is addressing through dedicated test programs set for completion around 2027. Additionally, the company is analyzing increased production volume requirements for the narrowbody sector, ensuring the supply chain can meet anticipated demand ahead of potential market entry.
Rolls-Royce acknowledges the competitive landscape for narrowbody engines, largely dominated by CFM International and Pratt & Whitney, requiring strategic partnerships to break into this segment. President of civil aerospace, Rob Watson, confirmed ongoing exploration of collaborative options while not ruling out a solo development path if necessary. This initiative aligns with expected fleet renewals by Airbus and Boeing around the end of the decade.
In the widebody segment, UltraFan’s prospects appear more straightforward, as no single engine maker currently monopolizes supply. While options exist for re-engining existing aircraft, Watson suggests that UltraFan’s advanced technology and performance gains may justify integration on clean-sheet new aircraft platforms. Rolls-Royce is actively engaged in dialogues with airframe manufacturers regarding potential applications of UltraFan.
The company also maintains ambitions for flight testing the UltraFan to reach technology readiness level 6, though a test platform has not yet been finalized. Various options remain under evaluation, underscoring the methodical approach Rolls-Royce is taking to mitigate risks and demonstrate the engine’s capabilities in real flight environments. Companion rig tests examining fan aerodynamics and aero-mechanics are ongoing at specialized facilities in Germany and the Netherlands.
Overall, the UltraFan program reflects Rolls-Royce’s commitment to pioneering geared turbofan technology to increase efficiency and reduce emissions. The twin-track approach—advancing a widebody demonstrator while concurrently developing a narrowbody variant—positions the company to respond to diverse market needs and technological challenges in the evolving commercial aviation landscape.
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American Airlines to retrofit narrowbody fleet with seatback 4K entertainment screens
US carrier reverses a bet on personal devices as it races to close the cabin gap with Delta Air Lines and United Airlines. American Airlines plans to add seatback screens on domestic aircraft in a surprising reversal of its in-flight entertainment product. Every narrowbody Airbus and Boeing jet will be retrofitted with the 4K screens, the carrier says. The upgraded systems will also feature Bluetooth connectivity and USB-C fast charging ports. For years, American had resisted seatback screens in favour of streaming via wi-fi to passengers’ personal devices to save on weight. With the retrofit, American's cabins will largely resemble those of its two main competitors, Delta Air Lines and United Airlines. The upgrades, planned to be completed by the early 2030s, will complement American's rollout of SpaceX's Starlink high-speed wi-fi and new investments in premium cabins, dining and lounges. More than 140 long-haul aircraft in American's fleet already feature the screens, it says. “We're making one of the most significant investments in the onboard experience in our history,” says American chief customer officer Heather Garboden. “From next-generation seatback entertainment at every seat to substantially more premium seating options, these enhancements will give our customers more ways to relax, stay connected and enjoy their journey." American does not identify any specific suppliers for the screens, but notes it is “evaluating several leading technology providers and will select the partner that delivers the best customer experience and value for American”. “We are looking for a partner with a modern, scalable platform that can evolve alongside technology advancements, enabling continuous enhancements to the customer experience while creating incremental revenue opportunities for American,” adds the carrier. Airlines across the industry are pouring money into premium cabins as they race to meet demand for higher-fare seats . As fuel prices erode profits, forward-cabin fares have proven resilient and helped many carriers remain profitable. American has the most growth planned among major North American airlines for the rest of 2026, as measured by available seat miles (ASMs). The carrier says premium-seat growth already outpaced main cabin by nearly two-to-one in the second quarter. "Today, premium seating is approximately 25% of seats on narrowbody departures and in the coming years, that number will grow to approximately 40%,” American says.
Pacific Southwest Airlines: California's trailblazing low-cost pioneer fades into history
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Eurowings Introduces Real Business Class Seats on All A320neos Across Multiple European Routes
Business class on narrow-body jets within Europe is known for being lackluster, generally just consisting of economy seats with blocked middles and improved service. In 2025, a Lufthansa Group carrier announced it would install more comfortable seats in business class on narrow-body aircraft. Ironically, it wasn't a full-service airline like Lufthansa or SWISS, but instead the group's low-cost carrier, Eurowings. Initially, this product was marketed as a limited-time trial, and it was available exclusively to and from Dubai (DXB) last winter. There's now an update : Eurowings plans to expand this concept to many more planes, including some intra-Europe flights… that's really cool! Eurowings rolls out Premium BIZ seat concept Eurowings operates a fleet of roughly 90 Airbus A320-family aircraft. Historically, the airline has configured its planes in a standard European regional configuration, with all seats in a 3-3 layout. The carrier's business class just consisted of economy seats at the front of the cabin, with blocked middle seats. However, the airline is getting legitimately innovative and is installing "real" business class seats on all eight of its Airbus A320neo aircraft. The airline is offering a reclining business-class product from Italian manufacturer Geven, with an adjustable backrest, ergonomic design, and much more pitch than you'll otherwise find. Eurowings Premium BIZ seats Eurowings Premium BIZ seats What's interesting is that Eurowings is actually offering two tiers of business class. On most routes (though there are exceptions), this new product isn't in lieu of the other business class, but rather is in addition to it. Eurowings BIZclass continues to be offered, featuring economy seats with blocked middles. Then there are eight Eurowings Premium BIZ seats at the front of the cabin. Eurowings Premium BIZ seat cabin Eurowings Premium BIZ seats Eurowings' A320neos boast 180 seats, spread across 30 rows, in a 3-3 configuration. The first three rows of the plane (18 seats, 12 of which are bookable, due to blocked middles) are being replaced by two rows of these recliner seats, meaning the per-seat footprint is around 50% bigger than in standard business class. In addition to more space (nearly one meter of legroom) and recline, the seats feature a cocktail table and a USB charging port. Furthermore, those seated in these special seats will receive a welcome drink, a refreshing towel, and nuts on all routes. On medium-haul service to Dubai, there's also a pillow and blanket, an amenity kit, and special dining served on porcelain. Here's how Eurowings CEO Max Kownatzki describes this move: "Comfort and relaxation in the air should never be taken for granted – and we're making them the new standard for business travelers and leisure guests. With the Premium BIZ Seat, we're among the first airlines in the world to introduce a genuinely comfortable seating experience on short-haul continental flights, including longer medium-haul routes. It's designed for all guests who want to make flying more comfortable and relaxed. While other airlines are adding more and more seats to their aircraft, we're giving our guests more of what makes flying easier: Space, privacy and an experience that feels genuinely special. That's our response as Europe's leading Value Airline." Which routes get Eurowings Premium BIZ seats? The Eurowings Premium BIZ seat concept is being rolled out in the winter 2026/2027 schedule, with many routes getting the seats as of December 1, 2026. The airline explains that this product is being introduced "where the demand for relaxed, premium travel is greatest." Specifically, you'll find this product on flights to: Mallorca (PMI), including daily flights from Dusseldorf (DUS), and up to 4x weekly flights from Berlin (BER) Malaga (AGP), including 4x weekly flights from Dusseldorf (DUS) London Heathrow (LHR), including up to 4x daily flights from Dusseldorf (DUS), and weekly flights from Berlin (BER) Dubai (DXB), including daily flights from Berlin (BER), 4x weekly flights from Stuttgart (STR), and 3x weekly flights from Cologne (CGN) As things currently stand, on the Spain routes, the Premium BIZ seat is the only business class option, while on the London and Dubai routes, the Premium BIZ seat is in addition to the standard business class option. All Eurowings Airbus A320neos will get recliner seats Eurowings Premium BIZ seat pricing & how to book Eurowings has put its Premium BIZ seat concept on sale for all of the above routes. So, what is pricing for this product like? As I hinted at above: On the Malaga and Mallorca routes, this is the only business class option on most flights, so all business class passengers enjoy the elevated experience On the London and Dubai routes, this is one of two business class options, so you can choose which you want to pay for For some examples, let's look at the flight between Berlin and Dubai, where I see a €309.99 BIZclass fare. Eurowings pricing to Dubai Then assigning one of the Premium BIZ seats costs €315, on top of that fare, so you're looking at paying a total of €624.99. Eurowings Premium BIZ seat pricing Looking at a flight between Dusseldorf and London, I see a €119.99 BIZclass fare. Eurowings pricing to Dubai Then assigning one of the Premium BIZ seats costs €60, on top of that fare, so you're looking at paying a total of €179.99. Eurowings Premium BIZ seat pricing Looking at a flight between Dusseldorf and Malaga, I see a €199.99 BIZclass fare. Eurowings pricing to Dubai That automatically includes the Premium BIZ seats, as there's no "basic" business class on these routes. Eurowings Premium BIZ seat pricing I think these upgrade prices are reasonable, given the quality of this product. There's of course a certain irony to a low cost carrier being the first to introduce such a product, given that customers are (at least in theory) more price sensitive than on full service airlines. I realize it's a bit more nuanced than that, given the unique markets Eurowings operates out of vs. Lufthansa, as cities like Dusseldorf are actually pretty premium. But still, you'd think something like this could also work quite well on a full service carrier. What this new product could mean in the long run We've gone from a Eurowings trial last winter, to the airline expanding this to eight aircraft and more routes this winter, so that's progress. What could we expect in the long run? First of all, keep in mind that Eurowings is overhauling its fleet as of 2027, as the airline has 40 Boeing 737 MAXs on order . So it's possible that if this project continues to succeed, we could see these cabins integrated on those jets. Second of all, Eurowings has noted that what it's doing will "also provide other airlines in the Lufthansa Group with important insights for the future configuration of new aircraft fleets." Unfortunately I don't think we'll see a "proper" business class introduced on short flights within Europe any time in the foreseeable future (I don't want to say "never," but… close enough). However, there are many medium haul markets that might not consistently have demand for wide body aircraft, but where something better than the typical intra-Europe business class is expected. In the case of Lufthansa or SWISS, we're talking about destinations like Amman (AMM), Cairo (CAI), Tel Aviv (TLV), etc. These are all destinations where some airlines offer a "proper" business class, while others don't. Offering a more competitive business class product on narrow body aircraft would allow airlines to better right size capacity while managing expectations. As a matter of fact, earlier this year Lufthansa Group CEO Carsten Spohr indicated that the airline might be looking at introducing "real" business class seats on select narrow body planes , for exactly the missions described above. We'll see if anything comes of that, but it sure would be nice. We could see similar concepts at other Lufthansa Grou
Starlux Airlines Launches Direct Mile Sales at Premium Price Point
Folks, Starlux Airlines' COSMILE frequent flyer program has finally gotten into the business of selling miles to consumers. Objectively it's a pretty awful deal, as the airline is charging an astronomical four cents per mile (we'll see if there are promotions in the future). However, I'm ridiculously excited here, as this is a way to score a discount on a Starlux first class ticket, as that's an experience that has been on my radar for a long time. Buy Starlux COSMILE miles for four cents each Taiwan-based Starlux Airlines launched its COSMILE frequent flyer program back when the airline commenced operations, in 2019. Unless you live in Taiwan or constantly fly with Starlux, you probably shouldn't care much about the program — the only airline partner is Alaska Airlines, and if you want to redeem on Starlux, you're generally best off redeeming Alaska Atmos Rewards points . However, it is worth noting that there is now a new way to earn miles in the COSMILE program, as the airline has just started selling miles directly to consumers . To access this, just log into your Starlux account, go to the "COSMILE" section, and then click on "Mileage Purchase." Buy Starlux COSMILE miles The program is charging a flat four cents per mile, and members can purchase anywhere from 1,000 to 150,000 miles per transaction. 150,000 is also the annual limit on how many miles you can buy. Purchases are processed by points.com, as is common for the points purchase programs of many loyalty programs. Buy Starlux COSMILE miles I am curious to see if Starlux gets aggressive about selling miles, and if we see some major promotions. For example, is this just the base level purchase price, and we'll often see the program offer substantial discounts or bonuses? Finally a "deal" on Starlux Airlines first class!! I've written about Starlux Airlines' quirky first class product — it's available on all A350s, the pricing is very high, and there's not even a curtain between first and business class. Since the airline launched, I've been trying to find a way to fly the carrier in first class, just because I try to review all first class experiences. On virtually every airline, I've been able to get a deal by using miles , taking a strategic positioning flight , etc. In the case of Starlux, I've found absolutely nothing. Yes, you can fly the airline within Asia in first class for around $2,500, but I'd like to give the airline a fair shake on a long haul flight, so I can truly review the experience, rather than just getting the scaled back service on a short haul flight. The best fare I've been able to find for a long haul first class flight is around $8,700 one-way. That's just absurdly rough, and I've not been able to find any other trick to get a better deal. Starlux first class fare So for a long time I've been thinking to myself "I hope the airline starts selling miles soon, and that this is an opportunity to get a deal on first class." Well, that time is finally now! For context, below is Starlux's award chart for travel between Asia and the Americas and Europe. Starlux award chart Below is Starlux's award chart for travel within Asia. Starlux award chart There's a devaluation coming October 1, 2026, but until then, you can book a long haul first class flight one-way for 120,000 miles. At four cents per mile, that's $4,800. Obviously that's still a massive amount to spend on a flight. However, it's just over half the cost of the best available long haul first class fare, and it's the first option I've seen to get a deal for first class! Also, reviewing airlines is my job, and I'm a bit of a completionist. I'm tired of having *almost* flown every first class product in the world , and I just need to rip the band aid off and do it. Don't get me wrong, it kills me to spend this much on a flight, but this is my career of 18+ years, and it's an investment worth making. The good news is that first class award availability is excellent — that's not surprising, given that the airline barely seems to sell first class seats. However, I can't actually price out an award, since I don't have enough miles in my account. I do have a couple of questions, for those more familiar with Starlux COSMILE than I am. First, is there anything I'm missing here? There's no status requirement to redeem for first class, or anything like that, right? Next, I see the first award chart is described as the pricing "Between Asia & America/Europe." Does anyone know if that means you could actually include an intra-Asia flight on the same itinerary at no extra cost? So is the cost the same for Tokyo Narita (NRT) to Taipei (TPE) to Phoenix (PHX), as it is just for the last segment, or is pricing additive? Also, am I correct in thinking that carrier imposed surcharges are very limited? Now, I do think I'll hold off just a bit, and see if Starlux offers any promotion on buying miles, since I wouldn't be surprised if that becomes a consistent aspect of this. If they'd like to offer a 100% introductory bonus on buying miles, I certainly wouldn't complain. 😉 If anyone does notice such an offer and I don't write about it within five minutes, please do ping me. Starlux Airlines first class seat A350 Bottom line Starlux Airlines' COSMILE frequent flyer program has just started selling miles to consumers. Members can purchase up to 150,000 miles per year, at a cost of four cents per mile. It remains to be seen if the program offers promotions on buying miles, to lower the cost a bit. I wouldn't expect there to be widespread appeal for this, though I do think the one unique angle is that this is an opportunity to get a significant discount on a long haul first class ticket on Starlux. The airline simply doesn't ordinarily discount its first class, and I'd know, because I've been closely tracking it for nearly seven years. 😉 So while it's hard to get excited about a $4,800 first class fare, that's about half of the typical cost, so that's at least better. Now let's just see a 100% bonus on buying miles, and then we'll really be talking. What do you make of Starlux getting into the business of selling miles?
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