Delta Air Lines’ “Concierge” GenAI assistant is now generally available via the Fly Delta app. First teased at CES 2025 with sky-high conceptual utility, the initial deployment comes up well short of the promised use cases.
Main Content
Lufthansa Sets Starlink Service Start Schedule
The first Lufthansa Group plane flying with Starlink will enter service next week, beginning the multi-year process to fit more than 800 aircraft across 10 operating brands in the group.
AirBaltic Slashes Fleet, Trading Growth for (Potential) Profitability
AirBaltic, once hyper-focused on growth at all costs, now recognizes that it cannot hit its projected targets. The carrier will slash its A220 fleet from the current 54 to just 36 as part of a massive reorganization.
PaxEx Premium News
IFC Revenue Up, Backlog Down for Viasat
Inflight internet services generated $324 million in revenue for Viasat last quarter, as the number of installed aircraft reached a new record. But the company’s pending installation backlog continues to shrink, raising questions about the longer-term outlook.
Sutton Replaces Marks in Anuvu CEO Swap
Anuvu appointed Simon Sutton as CEO effective 15 June, replacing Josh Marks.
Gogo Adds Airshare, Sees Strong LEO Future
Gogo will add another fleet of Embraer Phenom 300s to its Galileo LEO fleet, thanks to a deal signed with Airshare.
IFEC
Lufthansa Sets Starlink Service Start Schedule
The first Lufthansa Group plane flying with Starlink will enter service next week, beginning the multi-year process to fit more than 800 aircraft across 10 operating brands in the group.
IFC Revenue Up, Backlog Down for Viasat
Inflight internet services generated $324 million in revenue for Viasat last quarter, as the number of installed aircraft reached a new record. But the company’s pending installation backlog continues to shrink, raising questions about the longer-term outlook.
Delta, DraftKings Launch SkyPicks Inflight Sports "Gaming"
Delta’s partnership with DraftKings is now flying, and the companies are working VERY hard to make sure everyone believes SkyPicks is not gambling.
LATAM Confirms SES for Single-Aisle Inflight Internet
LATAM’s next tranche of single-aisle aircraft will fly with inflight internet from SES.
Digital Retail Takes Flight on HK Express
Snacks, souvenirs, and space are all on sale in the new HK Express “Cabin Connect” platform powered by Inflight Dublin, buyable with a few taps on a passenger’s personal device.
Airlines, Airplanes & Airports
Delta Concierge Launches with Questionable Value-add
Delta Air Lines’ “Concierge” GenAI assistant is now generally available via the Fly Delta app. First teased at CES 2025 with sky-high conceptual utility, the initial deployment comes up well short of the promised use cases.
AirBaltic Slashes Fleet, Trading Growth for (Potential) Profitability
AirBaltic, once hyper-focused on growth at all costs, now recognizes that it cannot hit its projected targets. The carrier will slash its A220 fleet from the current 54 to just 36 as part of a massive reorganization.
Airbus Details Growth Potential, Challenges
Airbus has grand plans to increase aircraft production, but also faces continued supplier challenges, plus some difficult internal decisions on how to scale up effectively.
Bermudair Picks A220 for Fleet Expansion
Bermudair has big plans for expansion, choosing the A220-300 as the backbone of an upgraded and up-gauged) fleet.
Hawaiian to Inherit Alaska Airlines 737-800s for Inter-island Flying
The future of inter-island flying in Hawaii is the 737-800. Alaska Airlines announced its plan to replace the 717 fleet with 737-800s carrying the Hawaiian brand.
Seating & Cabin
Premium Takes Flight with Allegiant First Launching in 2027
Allegiant First will fly from Spring 2027, offering more space and other amenities to travelers. And the new seating might not be the biggest change announced today.
AirAsia Goes Big–and Wants Bigger–with Airbus A220 Order
The top-line numbers are impressive: 150 A220s to be delivered to AirAsia in the years ahead. Behind the headlines, however, are a few very interesting stories, as is often the case when Tony Fernandes is involved.
Unum Two Forward-Facing Business Class Mini-Suites Ready for the Runway
Unum Aircraft Seating now offers business class beds in forward-facing layout, as its Unum Two seats go to market.
Loyalty
JetBlue Launches TrueBlue Points (and Other Benefits) Subscriptions
JetBlue aims to attract annual commitments from customers with the launch this week of its TrueBlue Subscriptions “Points on Repeat” product. Members will have access to three different package options, with benefits beyond just the points.
Completing the JetBlue 25for25 Challenge: Some Numbers and Reflections
Like a couple thousand others I completed the JetBlue 25for25 promotion last year. But was it worth the investment?
Family Status, Fewer Drinks in JetBlue Mosaic Updates
Traveling with kids could make it easier to earn elite status in the JetBlue TrueBlue program starting next year. But that benefit will come with fewer free drinks on board.