With the “completion of all technical milestones and the opening of the first fully operational coverage zone,” the SmartSky in-flight connectivity network is beginning to come online. Route-based flight demonstrations can be performed, marking a major pivot point as it moves towards certification and commercial launch.
Main Content
Transat to double down on air travel, dump hotels
Many airlines want to be far more than that. Hopes of expanding to offer myriad travel (and, in some cases non-travel) services are broad, extending […]
Buh bye, American Way: American’s in-flight magazine is no more
After 55 years of publication, American Way magazine is no more. The on-board magazine for American Airlines takes its last flight in June 2021.
PaxEx Premium News
Spirit Airlines WiFi goes live*
Spirit Airlines is now online in the sky. The first few planes fitted with the company’s in-flight wifi connectivity offering recently entered service for passenger use, though a formal launch is not expected until later this year.
Global Eagle, Telesat push forward with LEO antenna qualification
Global Eagle is moving closer to a Ka-band in-flight connectivity solution. The company recently cleared a critical milestone in the verification phase for the Global Eagle Airconnect Ka IFC terminal to be used with Canadian satellite operator Telesat’s planned Lightspeed low-earth orbit (LEO) network.
JetBlue’s A220 Fly-Fi: A bit different behind the scenes
Fast, free, FlyFi wifi on board every flight is a key value proposition from JetBlue. The carrier’s new A220 fleet features the same Viasat-powered satellite connectivity as the older aircraft, but how it came to be on the planes is a bit different from prior deliveries.
IFEC
SmartSky activates test corridor, moves towards nation-wide deployment
With the “completion of all technical milestones and the opening of the first fully operational coverage zone,” the SmartSky in-flight connectivity network is beginning to come online. Route-based flight demonstrations can be performed, marking a major pivot point as it moves towards certification and commercial launch.
Buh bye, American Way: American’s in-flight magazine is no more
After 55 years of publication, American Way magazine is no more. The on-board magazine for American Airlines takes its last flight in June 2021.
The low-down on LEO IFC options
It should come as no surprise that a trio of Low Earth Orbit (LEO) satellite operators believe more than 90% of in-flight connectivity traffic will pass over their networks in a decade’s time. Still, hearing how SpaceX, OneWeb and Telesat believe their upcoming constellations will compete for traffic during this week’s Connected Aviation Intelligence Summit reveals slightly different takes on the market and what they believe will be necessary to secure customers going forward.
First ViaSat-3 satellite completes payload integration
The first of the ViaSat-3 satellites reached a major milestone with completion of payload integration and performance testing. The satellite payload shipped to Boeing Satellite Systems in El Segundo, CA for bus integration. The fully assembled satellite will then undergo a complete series of environmental testing to simulate the rigors of launch and operation in the harsh environment of space. Launch is targeted for early calendar year 2022.
AirFi adds ground Transferz booking to IFE portal
Can car bookings help boost in-flight ancillary revenues? Wireless IFE and retailing supplier AirFi is banking on it, adding integration with global ground transport marketplace Transferz to its in-flight platform.
Airlines, Airplanes & Airports
Transat to double down on air travel, dump hotels
Many airlines want to be far more than that. Hopes of expanding to offer myriad travel (and, in some cases non-travel) services are broad, extending a brand throughout the “travel ribbon.” But one company with significant experience along that ribbon is shifting course in the other direction. Canada’s Air Transat, fresh off its collapsed planned […]
American, Avalon place major Vertical Aerospace eVTOL orders*
A pair of major order announcements offer a boost for UK eVTOL hopeful Vertical Aerospace, as more than 750 aircraft could have a new home by the middle of the decade.
American’s additional Austin access: 14 more destinations this winter
It might not be a hub or even a focus city, but it is starting to look a lot more like one. American Airlines continues to boost its presence in Austin, TX.
Spirit grows in South Florida, adds major Miami network
Miami International Airport is the place to be as air travel recovers in the United States, and Spirit Airlines will not be left out. The carrier announced a massive expansion into the market, with plans for up to 30 daily flights to 30 destinations.
Labor unions protest Breeze hiring program
A trio of labor unions requested the US Department of Transportation review its approval for Breeze Airways to operate as a commercial airline, just one week after the airline formally launched service, citing discriminatory hiring practices for flight attendants in their request, with questions arising around age, race, and other factors.
Seating & Cabin
Taking off: The Breeze Airways era begins
The Breeze Airways era is underway. The carrier launched flights this morning from Tampa to Charleston, kicking off a 16 city network covering 39 routes expected to be in operation by the end of July. It is a bold start, with 13 planes anticipated in the fleet by the middle of the summer.
New Recaro seats take flight on TAP’s newest A320neo
TAP’s relationship with aircraft seating giant Recaro continues to evolve. The carrier’s newest plane now flies the latest generation economy seats. TAP was the first announced customer for SL3710 seat, and its new A320 is the first European Airbus aircraft to be equipped with the economy class seat, according to Recaro.
Breeze sets initial routes; first flight next week
Breeze is ready to take flight. The newest US carrier announced its route network today, serving 39 nonstop routes between 16 cities in the Southwest, Midwest, Southeast and Eastern US. The airline will waste no time getting its planes into service. The first flights will operate next Thursday, from Tampa to Charleston and then to Hartford.
Loyalty
Elite earning bonuses and adjustments for American, JetBlue
American Airlines and JetBlue recognize that elite requalification thresholds remain a challenge for many travelers. The carriers have come up with shifts in earning means and promotions to help boost accounts, though each in a slightly different manner.
JetBlue, American launch frequent flyer earning reciprocity
American Airlines and JetBlue passengers can now earn points flying on the other carrier. The two airlines announced details of their frequent flyer earning reciprocity plans today, part of their Northeast Alliance efforts.
Big elite earning boost from United (but it’s probably not your best option)
Nearly half way to elite status with just one flight? That’s what United Airlines is offering to members of its MileagePlus program with the new Pick Your Path promotion. And it might not be the best choice for every member.
PaxEx Update
The Weekly Wrap: GX+ North America and Spirit’s New Loyalty Program
In this edition of The Weekly Wrap we’re chatting with Philip Balaam, president of Inmarsat Aviation, about the company’s tie-up with Hughes to create a new in-flight connectivity solution, GX+ North America. Plus FreeSpirit, OpenIFC, and showers in the sky.
APEX Weekly Wrap: Airline CEO Shuffles and Using Data to Manage Risk Volatility
This episode of the APEX Weekly Wrap reflects on a week of senior staffing news, following announcements that both British Airways CEO Alex Cruz and Virgin Australia CEO Paul Scurrah will step aside, and way more.
Swanky cabins for space or safety: The Weekly Wrap
Swanky space cabins and safer airline cabins lead this week’s episode, while more options for buying blocked seats are reaching the market. Add some more nutritional food on board and this Weekly Wrap is ready to fly!
Long live the Queen: The Weekly Wrap
Some 747 farewells transitioning into possible electric aircraft growth. Plus an interview about the upcoming FTE/APEX Virtual Expo and lots more!
Connections and Connectivity: The Weekly Wrap
This week we’re talking about a big new partnership connecting passengers JetBlue and American Airlines, as well as how Middle East Airlines will be getting connected with Panasonic Avionics.