As global air travel continues to rebound, airlines are increasingly holding onto older aircraft, investing billions in refurbishments to ensure passengers experience modern comfort. Delays in new aircraft deliveries due to supply chain disruptions have forced airlines to rethink their strategies, opting to upgrade aging fleets rather than retire them.

Massive Investments in Aircraft Refurbishments

Major carriers such as Emirates and Etihad have launched extensive refurbishment programs to modernize their aircraft interiors. Etihad has pledged $1 billion (€920 million) to upgrade its Boeing 777 and 787 fleets, while Emirates is investing a staggering $5 billion (€4.6 billion) to revamp its planes.

Finnair is also undergoing a major overhaul, refurbishing its long-haul Airbus A330 fleet and upgrading its regional Embraer E190s, some of which are nearly two decades old. The airline is modernizing the cabins with new slimline seats, fresh interior designs, and lightweight materials to enhance passenger comfort while improving fuel efficiency.

“We see this renewal as an important investment in travel comfort,” said Eeva Mattila, an engineer at Finnair Technical Operations. “Our aim is to provide a fresh and inviting travel environment for our customers.”

Supply Chain Delays Force Airlines to Adapt

Airlines’ reliance on older aircraft stems from significant delays in new aircraft production. Emirates, for instance, was expecting deliveries of Boeing’s 777X aircraft starting in 2020, but not a single jet has arrived. The airline has now expanded its refurbishment program to 220 planes.

“We have no choice,” Emirates CEO Sir Tim Clark stated at a tourism fair in Berlin. “This is the only way we can sustain and grow our network.”

Industry-wide delays have led to an increase in the global average aircraft age, now at a record 14.8 years—up from just over 13 years before the pandemic. While airlines emphasize that refurbished aircraft maintain high safety and comfort standards, aging fleets pose challenges for the industry’s sustainability goals.

Sustainability and Efficiency in Refurbishments

To offset the environmental impact of older aircraft, airlines are incorporating sustainable materials into their refurbishments. Finnair, for example, is using recycled leather instead of traditional cowhide, reducing carbon emissions by up to 85%. Similarly, lightweight seating options, such as Recaro seats, are being installed to lower fuel consumption and emissions.

KLM’s Boeing 737 refurbishments in 2021 resulted in a 20% reduction in seat weight, cutting carbon emissions by 184 tonnes per aircraft annually. Air France has taken similar steps, opting for ultra-lightweight, recycled components in its Embraer fleet.

Upcycling Old Aircraft Interiors

Rather than discarding outdated materials, airlines are finding innovative ways to repurpose old aircraft interiors. Emirates has turned discarded seat leather into luxury travel accessories, while Finnair has sold its used seats to budget carriers and developing nations.

For passengers, the focus remains on comfort and experience rather than aircraft age. With airlines investing heavily in modernizing older jets, travelers can expect a fresh and upgraded flying experience, even on planes that have been in service for decades.

Hanoi’s French Quarter provides a peaceful contrast to the chaos of the Old Quarter, offering wide boulevards, a scenic lake, and elegant hotels while still being within walking distance of the city’s historic core. This area not only serves as a haven for travelers looking to escape the crowded streets but also showcases the unique blend of French colonial influences and Vietnamese culture.

A Respite from the Old Quarter’s Bustle

The Old Quarter, known for its dense traffic, street food vendors, and lively tourism scene, remains a top choice for visitors looking to immerse themselves in Hanoi’s energetic atmosphere. However, the narrow streets have struggled to accommodate increasing tourism, leading to restrictions such as a ban on tour buses. Despite these measures, taxis and ride-hailing services continue to congest the area.

For those seeking a balance between Hanoi’s vibrancy and a more relaxed stay, the French Quarter presents an ideal option. With its spacious streets and colonial architecture, the district provides both historical intrigue and a more leisurely pace.

Exploring Hoàn Kiếm Lake

One of the French Quarter’s highlights is Hoàn Kiếm Lake, a tranquil oasis amidst the city’s constant motion. The lake’s iconic Turtle Tower, perched on a small island, and the Ngoc Son Temple at its northern end offer cultural and historical insights. A bright red bridge leads visitors to the temple, where the city’s noise fades into the background.

Morning visitors can witness locals engaging in tai chi, jogging, or Zumba sessions along the lake’s shore, providing a glimpse into daily life in Hanoi. The tree-lined pathways and occasional pop music drifting from exercise groups add to the charm of this urban retreat.

Savoring Hanoi’s Signature Egg Coffee

Vietnam is known for its distinctive coffee culture, and Hanoi’s specialty—egg coffee—was born out of necessity during the 1940s when milk was scarce. Nguyen Van Giang, a bartender at the Grand Metropole Hotel, crafted the drink using whipped egg yolk, honey, and sugar, creating a rich and creamy beverage.

Today, visitors can sample this historic drink at Le Club Bar in the Sofitel Legend Metropole Hotel or visit Café Dinh, a family-run establishment founded by Giang’s descendants, offering an authentic experience with a view of Hoàn Kiếm Lake.

Luxury Stays in the French Quarter

The French Quarter is home to some of Hanoi’s most prestigious hotels, including the Capella Hanoi, a lavishly designed Art Deco-inspired retreat by architect Bill Bensley. The hotel celebrates opera culture with intricate decorations, memorabilia, and thematic interiors. Guests can enjoy Michelin-recommended dining at Backstage restaurant or partake in local craft activities such as pottery and lacquer painting.

Another iconic stay is the Sofitel Legend Metropole Hotel, a historic landmark dating back to 1901. This hotel has played a pivotal role in Vietnam’s history, hosting key political negotiations and serving as a shelter during wartime. Today, guests can tour the hotel’s wartime bunkers, unwind by the courtyard pool, or enjoy a yoga session on the rooftop terrace.

A Blend of History and Modern Comfort

Hanoi’s French Quarter offers an immersive journey through Vietnam’s colonial past while providing contemporary comforts. Whether strolling along Hoàn Kiếm Lake, indulging in Hanoi’s signature egg coffee, or staying in one of the district’s luxury hotels, visitors can experience a perfect blend of history, culture, and relaxation in this elegant enclave.

With artificial intelligence (AI) becoming an increasingly popular tool for simplifying travel planning, many travelers are turning to platforms like ChatGPT, Vacay, and GuideGeek to create customized itineraries in seconds. While AI can significantly reduce the time spent researching and booking trips, users are also discovering its limitations, particularly in outdated recommendations and lack of real-time insights.

According to Omio’s 2024 NowNext travel report, 44% of travelers in Europe and the U.S. have expressed interest in using AI for planning trips this year—an increase from 27% in 2023. AI’s appeal lies in its ability to quickly generate itineraries based on user preferences, providing recommendations for activities, accommodations, and budgeting. A survey by American Express also found that Gen Z and millennial travelers particularly appreciate AI’s assistance in managing expenses, finding activities, and even translating languages while abroad.

To test the effectiveness of AI trip planning, a traveler used ChatGPT, Vacay, and GuideGeek to arrange a three-day budget trip to Tallinn, Estonia. The AI tools generated similar itineraries, including classic attractions like Tallinn’s Old Town, Alexander Nevsky Cathedral, Kadriorg Park, and the Balti Jaam market. The traveler found ChatGPT’s suggestions the most comprehensive and was impressed by how well the AI captured the essence of the city, including visits to Estonia’s oldest cafe, Maiasmokk, and the modern Cafe Reval.

Limitations of AI in Travel Planning

Despite the convenience, the AI-generated trip presented some challenges, particularly regarding restaurant recommendations. Dietary restrictions complicated the process, as the initial suggestions leaned heavily towards traditional Estonian foods like pancakes and elk meat. Refining the search to include more diverse dining options resulted in fewer overall activity recommendations, suggesting that AI struggles with balancing multiple factors simultaneously.

Another major issue was outdated information. Some recommended restaurants, such as Restaurant Vanaema and Juures, were permanently closed, leaving the traveler scrambling for alternative dining options. Other spots, like Cafe Nop, were misrepresented, offering limited menu choices that did not align with the AI descriptions.

This problem extends beyond individual travelers. Travel advisor and writer Coco Tran highlighted that AI tools can lack real-time insights, citing an instance where clients nearly booked a sakura-themed trip to Kyoto without realizing that cherry blossom seasons have shifted due to climate change. She also noted that AI cannot replace the nuanced knowledge gained through years of experience, such as which traditional Japanese inns genuinely welcome foreign guests.

Is AI Worth Using for Travel Planning?

While AI-powered travel planners can be a helpful starting point, experts advise travelers to cross-check AI-generated itineraries with their own research. Double-checking restaurant availability, verifying activity details, and customizing plans based on personal preferences can help avoid inconveniences.

AI may not yet be capable of replacing human expertise, but when used wisely, it can still be a valuable tool for streamlining the travel planning process.