The iPad Air 2 hasn't been "the flagship" iPad product for some time. Both iPad Pro 12.9" & 9.7" models have held that moniker since Apple decided to create a new category of iPads, instead of just calling the iPad Pro the iPad Air 3.    What has happened here is that Apple simply discontinued the much lower-priced iPad Air2 as it was too close in features  (6.1mm thin & laminated display) to the non-acknowledged successor the iPad "Pro" 9.7" (6.1mm thin, laminated display, better cpu & true tone display) for $350 more than the Air2.    The new "iPad" is simply the casing of the old iPad Air 1 (7.5mm thick) with a newer A9 dual-core CPU and camera upgrade, but with the older non-laminated screen that is inferior to the Air 2.   If you want the same quality as before you now need to spend at least $799.  Thanks Apple!