United Airlines is, once again, a partner in the T-Mobile inflight wifi program. The expanded relationship, first tipped two weeks ago, takes effect today. T-Mobile subscribers on eligible plans will receive access to the streaming level connectivity service on select domestic and short-haul international United flights.
Main Content
SkyFive, Safran Passenger Innovations push forward on connectivity in China
High speed inflight connectivity over China took another step forward earlier this month, as Safran Passenger Innovations (SPI) and SkyFive announced a partnership to integrate their services for airlines. The SkyFive air-to-ground networking hardware will connect to SPI’s RAVE on-board platform, with promises of incredibly high speed, low latency service to passengers.
MOST launches new mobile retailing platform
MOST, a new provider of intuitive and customized retail and payment solutions, is looking to shake up the mobility sector. The company launched a suite of payment solutions that support retail platforms, helping businesses capture more revenue in an increasingly cashless economy, including airline cabins.
PaxEx Premium News
Is Allegiant ready to add inflight WiFi?
Little by little, the Allegiant passenger experience is changing. Could inflight WiFi be next?
Seeing stars: JSX’s WiFi deployment plan
As the first airline to sign for the SpaceX Starlink inflight WiFi solution, JSX also expects to be the first airline to activate the service. Speaking at the Future Travel Experience conference in Las Vegas this week, CEO Alex Wilcox unveiled a few additional details about plans for the service.
Qatar Airways picks Inmarsat GX for Super Wi-Fi service on 787s, MAX 10s
Qatar Airways is not shy about shifting providers to make sure the services offered meet its standards. That the carrier shifted suppliers on for inflight WiFi on the 787-9 fleet to Inmarsat’s GX Aviation hardware on board is perhaps even more notable.
IFEC
United, T-Mobile activate complimentary WiFi on board
United Airlines is, once again, a partner in the T-Mobile inflight wifi program. The expanded relationship, first tipped two weeks ago, takes effect today. T-Mobile subscribers on eligible plans will receive access to the streaming level connectivity service on select domestic and short-haul international United flights.
SkyFive, Safran Passenger Innovations push forward on connectivity in China
High speed inflight connectivity over China took another step forward earlier this month, as Safran Passenger Innovations (SPI) and SkyFive announced a partnership to integrate their services for airlines. The SkyFive air-to-ground networking hardware will connect to SPI’s RAVE on-board platform, with promises of incredibly high speed, low latency service to passengers.
Wizz Air expands fflya functionality with live credit card processing
Realtime credit card processing is now available on the fflya platform, extending the capabilities of the Bluetooth-based inflight connectivity solution. The service was demonstrated on a Wizz Air A321 as part of the ongoing deployment trial with that carrier.
Viasat, Inmarsat receive UK security approval for merger
Viasat and Inmarsat received approval for their proposed combination from the UK Government under the National Security & Investment Act. The Secretary of State for Business, Energy and Industrial Strategy (BEIS) has announced that the transaction does not pose a risk to the UK’s national security. It also confirms that the new entity will continue […]
Jetstar selects Bluebox Blueview for IFE upgrade
Can an airline deliver a modern and consistent inflight entertainment offering across its fleet without an expensive retrofit program? Jetstar Group plans to find out in partnership with Bluebox Aviation Systems.
Airlines, Airplanes & Airports
JetBlue shifts some Boston-London flights to A321neo
Three weeks ago JetBlue confirmed that some of its flights between New York City and London would be operated on the A321neo owing to delays in delivery of new A321LR aircraft. Those troubles continue to grow, with the Boston-London routes now impacted.
Allegiant flips its digital marketing focus
The holy grail of any digital marketing effort is sufficiently accurate and granular targeting to ensure that consumers engage with the ad rather than ignore it. Allegiant believes it has found that sweet spot in the market. sweet spot in the market.
Tailwind shifts DC flights to Dulles, delays launch
Seaplane operator Tailwind Air generated a lot of excitement over the summer when it promised service from the East River in New York City to Washington, DC. Alas, just days before the service launch, the carrier has quietly shifted its plans. Tailwind’s DC flights will now operate to and from Dulles airport.
India proves critical for Air Canada, Emirates truce
A lot can change in ten years, especially in the aviation world. Now, rather rivals, Air Canada and Emirates have a burgeoning partnership. And it is all about India.
JetBlue further boosts London capacity, with a catch
JetBlue’s Gatwick service will carry more passengers than originally planned in Q4, but dinner won’t be as good.
Seating & Cabin
American launches Flagship Suites, retires Flagship First
Flagship First Class is dead. Long live the Flagship Suite. American Airlines will introduce a new Flagship Suite seat to its long haul fleet from 2024. With that move, the carrier’s Flagship First class cabin will be no more.
Dining upgrades on the horizon for Delta’s Premium Select and Main Cabin passengers
More meal options are slowly coming back on Delta Air Lines. Progress is slow, as the carrier works to ensure supply chain stability and downline kitchen availability. But Premium Select and Main Cabin passengers should start to see some improvements as soon as next week.
Southwest searching for new seats
Southwest Airlines is in the late stages of evaluation for a potential new seat for its fleet. This could serve to augment the existing Collins Meridian deployment or replace it.
Loyalty
Air Canada, Emirates link up with codeshare, loyalty reciprocity
It is not, perhaps, quite the level of strange bedfellows pondered by Shakespeare in The Tempest, but a new strategic partnership agreement between Air Canada and Emirates is certainly an interesting development.
Etihad selling silver elite status via NFTs
Looking for Silver Elite status in the Etihad Guest loyalty program? It can be yours for just $349, as part of the carrier’s initial foray into the Web3 world and NFTs.
Deutsche Bahn confirms Star Alliance intermodal partner membership
Deutsche Bahn will make its intercity train network available to airlines in the Star Alliance network from 1 August 2022.
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.