From new aircraft and refreshed cabins to expanded connectivity and free WiFi, Discover Airlines is gearing up for a busy 2027. In this edition of Take 5, Patrizio Iaquinandi, Discover Airlines’ Manager – Sales, International Markets, tells Travelweek what Canadian travel advisors should know about the Lufthansa Group carrier’s latest network, fleet and onboard developments.
Discover Airlines’ A350-900 aircraft
1. Discover Airlines serves the Canadian market with 2 gateways: Calgary and Halifax. Are there any updates about Discover Airlines’ Canadian network that travel advisors should have on their radar for 2027?
“Absolutely. Canada remains an important market for Discover Airlines, and Calgary and Halifax continue to be key gateways within our network.
“Beyond the Canadian routes themselves, the biggest development for 2027 is the continued expansion of our overall network and fleet, which will give Canadian travellers access to an even broader range of leisure destinations via Frankfurt and Munich. Discover Airlines is growing to 40 aircraft by 2028 and will begin introducing the Airbus A350 from mid-2027, creating additional opportunities for future network development and enhanced connectivity.”
2. What news can you share about Discover Airlines’ international network, that might be beneficial to Canadian advisors looking to help their clients connect via FRA or MUC?
“Discover Airlines now offers more than 60 leisure destinations worldwide through our Frankfurt and Munich hubs, including destinations across Southern Europe, Africa, the Indian Ocean, North America and the Caribbean. Canadian travellers benefit from seamless connectivity through the Lufthansa Group network, including coordinated connections with Lufthansa, Air Canada and United Airlines. Through a single ticket, customers can connect easily beyond Frankfurt and Munich, with through-checked baggage and integrated customer support throughout their journey.
“For summer 2027, Discover Airlines is further expanding its European leisure network with new destinations such as Bristol, Glasgow and Inverness, adding even more options for Canadian travellers connecting via Germany.
3. Discover Airlines is taking on an impressive long-haul cabin renewal project called ‘Ocean Blue.’ What are the highlights, and when will Canadian travellers be able to experience Ocean Blue on aircraft serving Canadian gateways?
“Ocean Blue is the largest investment in Discover Airlines’ history and represents a complete redesign of our long-haul product across all three cabins. Highlights include a brand-new Business Class with all-aisle access, premium suites in the first row, an upgraded Premium Economy, redesigned Economy Class seats with improved ergonomics and additional storage, state-of-the-art 4K entertainment screens with Bluetooth connectivity, enhanced charging options and a completely refreshed cabin design inspired by the colours of the ocean.
“The first Ocean Blue-equipped Airbus A330-300 is scheduled to enter service in April 2027. The retrofit program will then continue progressively across all 16 A330 aircraft, with completion planned by mid-2028. As Calgary and Halifax are part of our long-haul network, Canadian travellers can expect to see the new product gradually introduced during this period.”
A sneak peek at Discover Airlines’ Business Class with the Ocean Blue revamp
4. What can you tell us about Discover Airlines’ A350 fleet modernization plans?
“The Airbus A350-900 will become the future flagship of Discover Airlines’ long-haul fleet. Beginning in mid-2027, four Airbus A350 aircraft will gradually join the fleet as part of a wider fleet expansion strategy. The A350 is recognized as one of the most modern long-haul aircraft in the world, offering significantly improved fuel efficiency, lower emissions, reduced noise levels and enhanced passenger comfort through higher cabin humidity and a lower cabin altitude.
“In addition to strengthening existing routes, the A350 provides the range and flexibility to support future long-haul growth opportunities and opens up potential new destination possibilities that are beyond the capabilities of today’s fleet.”
Discover Airlines’ Premium Economy seating with Ocean Blue
5. It’s great that Discover Airlines will be offering Starlink WiFi connectivity as part of Ocean Blue. What can you share about the Starlink roll-out timeline?
“Starlink is a key part of the Ocean Blue experience and will deliver free high-speed internet connectivity across our fleet. We are planning to begin installing Starlink technology from the winter 2026/27 season, with the first aircraft entering service with the new connectivity solution in early 2027.
“For long-haul passengers, Starlink will be integrated into the Ocean Blue cabin experience and will support a significantly enhanced onboard digital offering. The rollout will continue progressively as aircraft undergo their retrofit program, with the objective of equipping the long-haul fleet as part of the broader cabin modernization initiative.”
More information can be found at Discover-Airlines.com.
Lead image caption: Patrizio Iaquinandi, Manager – Sales, International Markets, Discover Airlines
