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.
Main Content
Splitting the Difference: Dramatically Different Takes on a Shifting IFC Market
Two current IFC providers are taking very different paths in the face of LEO connectivity evolving “faster and differently” than expected. Whether they arrive at the same outcome will be very interesting to see.
Delta, United Boost Inflight Content, Streaming Options with FOX One and Peacock
Delta and United continue to add content options in flight, though with different approaches which highlight the benefits – and challenges – of connected IFE platforms.
PaxEx Premium News
ViaSat-3 APAC Launches Successfully
On Thursday morning the third ViaSat-3 satellite successfully lifted off from the Kennedy Space Center on a Falcon Heavy rocket, marking a major milestone in the very important (and rather delayed) program to massively boost capacity in GEO orbit.
A Subtle Shift in Messaging
Parsing the language of a press release can be an interesting challenge. Subtle changes over the past couple months with Southwest Airlines’ IFC play are worth digging in to.
Some Starlink Updates from AIX 2026
Starlink launched its commercial aviation offering with an incredibly simple premise: bandwidth solves everything. And that worked, at least initially. As it competes for airline business many of the previously dismissed complexities are now part of the company’s offerings, and more are included with each hardware iteration.
IFEC
Splitting the Difference: Dramatically Different Takes on a Shifting IFC Market
Two current IFC providers are taking very different paths in the face of LEO connectivity evolving “faster and differently” than expected. Whether they arrive at the same outcome will be very interesting to see.
Delta, United Boost Inflight Content, Streaming Options with FOX One and Peacock
Delta and United continue to add content options in flight, though with different approaches which highlight the benefits – and challenges – of connected IFE platforms.
Singapore Airlines Selects Starlink for Long-haul Internet Upgrade
Singapore Airlines will fit its A350 and A380 fleet with Starlink’s inflight internet service with installation slated to begin in Q1 2027.
Starlink’s Newest Installs Span Aircraft Big and Small
Starlink inflight internet service is now active on the largest commercial jet flying, as well as one of the smallest commercial planes in service.
ViaSat-3 APAC Launches Successfully
On Thursday morning the third ViaSat-3 satellite successfully lifted off from the Kennedy Space Center on a Falcon Heavy rocket, marking a major milestone in the very important (and rather delayed) program to massively boost capacity in GEO orbit.
Airlines, Airplanes & Airports
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.
Spirit Airlines Halts Operations
Spirit Airlines, facing an unprecedented spike in fuel prices against the backdrop of two bankruptcy filings in less than 12 months, halted operations early Saturday morning.
Sip and Ship Launches with Southwest at Santa Rosa
Southwest Airlines is bringing back a complimentary checked bag, so long as you’re flying out of Santa Rosa and it is filled with wine.
Porter Airlines Sets Montreal Expansion Schedule
Porter Airlines will launch service from Montreal’s newly rebuilt Metropolitan Airport on 15 June, rapidly expanding to more than double its service in the metro area.
Southwest Cuts O’Hare, Dulles Service
Scratch two airports from the Southwest Airlines route map. The carrier will halt operations at Washington-Dulles and Chicago O’Hare from 4 June 2026.
Seating & Cabin
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.
Boeing’s E-Lounge: A Digital Workspace in the Sky
Improving inflight internet means more passengers will expect (or be expected) to spend more time collaborating with coworkers while flying. A new digital lounge concept aims to make that tolerable for everyone in the cabin.
Collins Scores Trio of Airlines for Helix Launch
Helix, the newest economy class seat from Collins Aerospace is contracted to fly on three international airlines covering more than 200 aircraft.
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.