After delivering massive growth over the past several years in the US market DirecTV is ready to take its inflight live television content to more international markets.
Main Content
Starlink set to fly on FlexJet fleet
FlexJet selected SpaceX’s Starlink service for inflight internet across its fleet, with the G650 first type to be certified and installed.
Apps to boost US border crossing experience
Travelers entering the United States will soon have an expanded array of digital solutions to help smooth the border crossing experience, improving the travel experience for US citizens and foreign visitors alike.
PaxEx Premium News
Beyond the bytes: Partnerships pushing product progress
Air Canada’s newly expanded relationship with Intelsat shows off the power of jointly developing not just a bandwidth map, but partnering on how that service is delivered, to the airline and to passengers on board.
Volato picks SmartSky for HondaJet fleet
Travelers on Volato’s fleet of HondaJet aircraft will soon have access to SmartSky‘s inflight internet services. The two companies agreed to fit more than 20 […]
Air Canada expands Intelsat partnership for in-flight Wi-Fi on 737 MAX, regional jets
Updated inflight internet systems are coming to Air Canada’s 737 MAX and regional jets. In total, approximately 100 planes will see Intelsat’s systems installed in the years ahead.
IFEC
DirecTV plans a global push for its live television services
After delivering massive growth over the past several years in the US market DirecTV is ready to take its inflight live television content to more international markets.
Starlink set to fly on FlexJet fleet
FlexJet selected SpaceX’s Starlink service for inflight internet across its fleet, with the G650 first type to be certified and installed.
Spafax launches AdConnect targeted advertising marketplace
The newly released Spafax AdConnect marketplace aims to bridge the gap between airlines and advertisers in a way that addresses the unique challenges of air world.
Airbus taps Intelsat, Panasonic Avionics for HBCplus Ku-band services
The Airbus HBCplus program now has Ku-band service providers confirmed. Intelsat and Panasonic Avionics will participate in the program, offering connectivity services for aircraft fitted with the Airbus’ Ku-band ESA terminal from GetSat/Safran Passenger Innovations.
Immfly, Gategroup team for inflight retail technology
Inflight heavyweights gategroup and Immfly have signed a strategic alliance for delivery of on-board retail services, delivering a one-stop shop for airlines looking to boost inflight ancillary revenues.
Airlines, Airplanes & Airports
Hawaiian’s 787 flights now on sale
Hawaiian Airlines will launch regularly scheduled services on its new 787-9 fleet in April 2024. The carrier loaded the first flights for sale, serving routes between the Islands and the mainland west coast.
Biman Bangladesh plans a return to New York
Biman Bangladesh Airlines is ready to return to the United States. And this time it plans to do so using its own aircraft from Dhaka.
Atlantic Airways launches Faroe-New York service
Atlantic Airways has spread its wings just a bit further. After three years of COVID-induced delays, the national airline of the Faroe Islands inaugurated service to the United States this week, with hopes of boosting both inbound and outbound travel for the islands.
American sees year-round potential in European summer 2024 expansion
Is it too early to begin planning a Summer 2024 getaway? American Airlines is keen to get a head start on its marketing efforts, planning three new transatlantic destinations among its plans for next year’s peak travel period.
Boston Logan opens Terminal E expansion
Just six years after its prior expansion, Boston’s Logan International Airport is growing once again. Terminal E now has an additional four gates, supporting the recovery of international air service in the region.
Seating & Cabin
United’s new single-aisle Polaris seat likely Adient’s Altitude
Who will manufacture the new Polaris single-aisle seat for United? All signs point to Adient, with United as the launch customer for the Altitude seat.
Making premium more accessible in United’s Polaris single-aisle design
The latest United Airlines’ single-aisle Polaris cabin offers up a unique design to increase cabin density while maintaining space for passengers. But it also presents a challenge for those traveling in a wheelchair. A second patent associated with the seating concept addresses that issue.
Swiss pushes premium economy in A350 layout
Swiss will grow the premium economy cabin on its A350s as part of its “Swiss Senses” interiors program. The new design,will be delivered on the A350 fleet direct from the factory beginning in 2025.
Loyalty
Delta’s SkyMiles shakeup hits Medallion status, SkyClub access rules
Is the updated Delta SkyMiles program actually a simplified scheme for earning status? That’s debatable. But at least the company didn’t call it enhanced this time.
British Airways switches to revenue-based accrual for Avios
British Airways passengers will earn Avios based on how much money they spend, not how far they fly, starting later this year. The carrier is the latest to switch to a revenue-based accrual method for its loyalty program.
American Airlines raises rates, supplements services for Admirals Clubs
Passengers looking to escape the terminal in an American Airlines Admirals Club lounge will soon be asked to pay a bit more for the privilege, though the carrier is also adding some amenities inside to help soften the blow.
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.