Tag Archives: Airside

United and BMW Celebrate Luxury Tarmac Transfers

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Courtesy United Airliness | C. 2025

Courtesy United Airliness | C. 2025

From the United Airlines Newsroom:

CHICAGO, IL October 1, 2025 – United and BMW of North America are celebrating a successful summer, completing more than 14,000 luxury tarmac transfers since launching the automaker’s first tarmac transfer program with a U.S. airline in May. Available to select MileagePlus® Premier® members, the service offers chauffeured rides between connecting flights in 10 BMW vehicles across United hubs in Chicago, Denver, Houston, Los Angeles, San Francisco, and Washington, D.C. Upon arrival, a dedicated Premier services agent meets members at the gate and escorts them to a state-of-the-art all-electric BMW i7 xDrive60 sedan or BMW iX M70 SUV waiting on the tarmac to drive them to their connecting flight.

“This summer, our ground transfer program with BMW of North America showed how seamless, premium journeys create real value for our MileagePlus members – helping thousands connect with less stress and more comfort,” said Richard Nunn, CEO of MileagePlus. “BMW of North America’s commitment to innovation, luxury and sustainability further extends our program’s value, giving members elevated travel experiences that feel effortless and rewarding, while underscoring United’s commitment to delivering thoughtful, forward-looking solutions.”

United’s 10 vehicle tarmac fleet currently features seven BMW i7 xDrive60s, which provide silent, effortless, and luxurious all-electric power with 536hp and up to 311 miles of range. These vehicles also feature a Rear Executive Lounge with BMW’s class-exclusive 31” rear theater screen, a Large Sky Lounge LED Panoramic Roof, and front and rear massaging seats. Additionally, the fleet includes three BMW iX M70s, the brand’s all-electric performance SUV offering 650hp and more than 300 miles of range. The vehicle’s notable features include a Bowers & Wilkins Diamond Surround Sound System, an Illuminated Kidney Grille, and a Panoramic Glass Eclipsing Roof with one-touch opacity for enhanced comfort and privacy.

“Teaming up with United offers an opportunity to show what true luxury feels like in the modern era,” said Shaun Bugbee, Executive Vice President of Operations for BMW of North America. “By offering discerning clientele a chance to experience the Ultimate Electric Driving Machine from the backseat like a passenger in a first-class cabin, we can elevate the entire travel experience while also reinforcing BMW’s commitment to shaping the future of premium mobility.”

More than transportation, these vehicles transform quick connections into memorable travel moments for MileagePlus Premier members, delivering exceptional comfort and the distinctly premium experience United and BMW are known for.

 

Alaska Airlines: Fallen Soldier Cart at KSEA

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Courtesy Alaska Air Group

Courtesy Alaska Air Group

Alaska Airlines, in partnership with the Seattle-Tacoma International Airport (SEA), today unveiled a custom-designed Fallen Soldier Cart during a ceremonial hand-off to honor the nation’s military heroes on their final journey. This marks the 18th cart created by Alaska Airlines maintenance employees, and the second cart for SEA, as part of the airline’s ongoing commitment to honoring fallen service members.

The Fallen Soldier Cart is a solemn and dignified means of transporting the remains of deceased military personnel to and from aircraft. Available to all airlines operating at SEA, the cart serves as a powerful symbol of respect and remembrance for the sacrifices made by service members and their families.

“It is our honor to have this Fallen Soldier Cart in our hometown and continue our commitment to our fallen military members. Our program is committed to ensuring every active, retired, or veteran military member, along with their families, receives the utmost care they deserve for their service and sacrifice. Our goal is to house a cart at every airport served by Alaska Airlines to pay tribute to every fallen service member in a respectful and dignified manner.”
—Brian Bowden—Founder and Volunteer of the Alaska Airlines Fallen Soldier Program

The SEA cart features a unique design that includes:

  • A metal art skyline of Seattle, featuring the Space Needle.
    A plaque honoring the fallen military members of Eagle Flight Detachment, “C” Company, 6th Battalion, 159th Aviation Regiment, V Corps who lost their lives on April 14th, 1994, in Northern Iraq.
    The Washington State flag.
    A blue-painted exterior with red carpet and American flag curtains.
    Emblems representing all six branches of the U.S. Armed Forces: Army, Navy, Air Force, Marines, Coast Guard, and Space Force.

“As a veteran and someone who has engaged with military families my entire career, I am proud of the respect that service members and their families receive at Seattle-Tacoma International Airport. I am particularly proud of the care and investment by our partners at Alaska Airlines and Horizon Air to ensure that a fallen soldier’s final journey is one marked by honor and remembrance.”
—Steve Metruck—Port of Seattle Executive Director and retired U.S. Coast Guard Read Admiral

To commemorate the occasion, Alaska Airlines also displayed the aircraft livery, “Honoring Those Who Serve,” which serve as flying tributes to the bravery and dedication of military personnel.

Launched in May 2011 by Alaska Airlines employees, the Fallen Soldier Program follows military protocols to ensure the respectful handling of fallen service members. The program not only honors the deceased but also reinforces the airline’s enduring support for the military community.