The SES-17 satellite successfully launched into space onboard an Ariane 5 launcher operated by Arianespace. It is expected to enter service in mid-2022.
Main Content
Qantas boosts rebound, points opportunities with Australia border reopening
Australia is reopening its borders, and Qantas is ready to take advantage of the pent up demand for travel. The airline will accelerate the return of many international routes, as well as larger aircraft, to support consumer demand. It is also adding a frequent flyer twist, with several “points planes” loaded for travelers.
An easyJet(ish) lounge opens at Gatwick
Looking to lounge before your next easyJet departure from Gatwick? The airline now has an option for that. Or at least for a lounge with its branding.
PaxEx Premium News
IFC Trash Talking
NBAA has come and gone. Both Gogo and SmartSky made major announcements about their upcoming next-gen air-to-ground connectivity solutions. Both obliquely attacked the other in those releases, hinting at why they would be the better choice for a business jet fleet.
SmartSky goes live!
The SmartSky air-to-ground networks is – finally – live. The company officially launched commercial operations at the NBAA conference in Las Vegas this afternoon, allowing its OEM and MRO to begin installations and complete additional STCs and Value Added Resellers to activate, connect, and serve customers.
Status Check: Faster WiFi installing faster
How to get 300ish aircraft fitted with a new in-flight connectivity system in less than a year? Delta Air Lines and Viasat still intend to hit that target by the end of 2021, thanks to an aggressive schedule and cooperation between many parties.
IFEC
Successful launch for SES-17, boosting in-flight wifi coverage, capacity
The SES-17 satellite successfully launched into space onboard an Ariane 5 launcher operated by Arianespace. It is expected to enter service in mid-2022.
SpiceJet online later this year with Inmarsat’s GX Aviation
Inmarsat’s GX Aviation in-flight wifi service is expected to come online over India later this year, with SpiceJet as the launch carrier.
IFC Trash Talking
NBAA has come and gone. Both Gogo and SmartSky made major announcements about their upcoming next-gen air-to-ground connectivity solutions. Both obliquely attacked the other in those releases, hinting at why they would be the better choice for a business jet fleet.
Spirit Airlines WiFi hits milestone
Looking for WiFi on a Spirit Airlines flight? Depending on which aircraft type you’re on, the odds of fast, inexpensive connectivity on board could be surprisingly high.
Air Belgium picks Panasonic Avionics for IFE/C on A330neo fleet
Passengers on Air Belgium’s new A330neo fleet will deliver an upgraded in-flight entertainment and connectivity experience to passengers on board. The aircraft are fitted with the Panasonic Avionics IFEC suite, including in-seat entertainment screens and high-speed wifi service.
Airlines, Airplanes & Airports
Qantas boosts rebound, points opportunities with Australia border reopening
Australia is reopening its borders, and Qantas is ready to take advantage of the pent up demand for travel. The airline will accelerate the return of many international routes, as well as larger aircraft, to support consumer demand. It is also adding a frequent flyer twist, with several “points planes” loaded for travelers.
PLAY receives initial approval for US operations
Play Airlines is one step closer to US flights, with the US Department of Transportation indicating the carrier meets all necessary criteria.
JetBlue schedules A220 transcon, Mexico service
JetBlue published its first planned transcon and international service for the A220, marking the next step in the company’s fleet transition
Alitalia is dead; long live Alitalia*
Late on Thursday night Alitalia will make its final flight. AZ1586 from Cagliari to Rome is scheduled to depart at 22:05 local time, arriving in Rome at 23:10. And on Friday morning a new airline will take its place. Conveniently, also operating as Alitalia.
United plans five new routes, MAX service transatlantic in 2022
By the time Summer 2022 rolls around United Airlines will serve more transatlantic destinations than ever in its history. The carrier announced five new transatlantic markets this week, plus increased service to another five. The company will also finally launch seven routes waylaid by the pandemic.
Oh, and the 737 MAX will join the oceanic fun.
Seating & Cabin
Singapore Airlines brings back the A380
Singapore Airlines is the latest carrier to bring back the A380 super jumbo. Citing strong demand – and customer preference for the type – as the country expands its vaccinated traveler lane (VTL) program, London will be the first market to see regular A380 flights resume.
Air France introduces A220, shows off new cabin
The first Air France A220 arrived at the airline’s home base in Paris this week, offering an opportunity for the carrier to show off its new short/mid-haul flagship.
Have sled, will crash: Recaro inaugurates new seat testing facility
Crashing is good. Crashing can yield useful data. And, especially when properly managed and controlled, crashing is an absolute necessity before new seats can be sold or delivered to airlines.
Loyalty
American buys into GOL, plans loyalty, codeshare boost
American Airlines will invest $200 million for a 5.2% stake in Brazil’s GOL as part of an expanded commercial partnership. The deal will see the two tie more closely in each other’s primary market, and significantly boost their loyalty program integration as well.
Southwest Rapid Rewards doubles tier points through November
Southwest Airlines joins the list of airlines admitting that its frequent flyer ranks thinned faster than hoped. As the year draws to a close and the company scales back its flight schedule (citing operational challenges, but demand is also dropping), it will also offer double elite credit in the Rapid Rewards loyalty program in hopes of attracting a few extra trips from its customers.
Alitalia Due (a/k/a Italia Trasporto Aereo) applies for US service
Come October 15th Alitalia will cease operations; Italia Trasporto Aereo (ITA) will take its place as Italy’s flag carrier. Except that Alitalia will still probably be in business. ITA confirms that it intends to bid on the Alitalia brand at auction as part of its application to serve the United States.
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.