A new generation of long-haul flying launches in Australia this week, as Jetstar introduces its first refreshed 787.
Main Content
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.
Luci Live Brings Contextual Chat to FlightPath3D’s Moving Map
Airlines have a new option for entertainment engagement and an ancillary revenue boost, thanks to Luci Live, an AI-backed travel companion integrated with the moving map.
PaxEx Premium News
Approaching the End of the Line
Sometimes things end dramatically. Other times they just peter out.
A Curious IFC Shift
Operating a multi-supplier IFC portfolio is not unique. Still, sometimes those shifts come as a surprise. A report this week very much fits in that latter category to me.
Gogo Sees Upside in Imminent Galileo, 5G Activations
Top line numbers suggest Gogo held steady as it navigated the first year of its merged operations with Satcom Direct and transitions towards the Gogo 5G and Galileo platforms for business aviation connectivity.
IFEC
Refreshed 787 Takes Flight for Jetstar
A new generation of long-haul flying launches in Australia this week, as Jetstar introduces its first refreshed 787.
Luci Live Brings Contextual Chat to FlightPath3D’s Moving Map
Airlines have a new option for entertainment engagement and an ancillary revenue boost, thanks to Luci Live, an AI-backed travel companion integrated with the moving map.
Delta Picks Amazon Leo for Next-gen Inflight Internet
Delta Air Lines will activate (at least) 500 aircraft on the Amazon Leo inflight internet service from 2028. The deal will bring low-latency, high-bandwidth capacity to the fleet, boosting performance for passengers and crew alike.
Tigerair Taiwan Adds Streaming IFE with Bluebox Wow
Tigerair Taiwan will launch inflight entertainment on board for the first time, partnering with Bluebox to deliver the service.
Aer Lingus Activates First Starlink Aircraft
The first Aer Lingus plane with Starlink’s inflight internet returned to service this weekend. Passengers on the Dublin-JFK service Sunday (EI105) were the first to experience the system for the Irish carrier.
Airlines, Airplanes & Airports
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.
PaxEx PR: Crystal Cabin Awards 2026 Finalists Announced
The Crystal Cabin Award 2026 highlights the innovation power of the cabin industry, with 24 finalists selected across eight categories.
Allegiant Buys Sun Country in $1.5 Billion Deal
Allegiant will buy Sun Country in a $1.5 billion deal, bringing further consolidation to the US aviation market. The deal will see Allegiant as the surviving brand, with Sun Country operations folding into the Allegiant business model.
Seating & Cabin
Basic Fares Coming to United’s Premium Cabins
Basic Business is coming to United Airlines. The carrier will further segment its premium cabin fares, splitting out Base, Standard, and Flexible options in all markets and cabins.
Iberia, Recaro Team for Sustainable Seating
Recaro’s R Sphere sustainability efforts are set to fly, with Iberia implementing key components of the program on an A320neo as part of a trial program.
United Airlines Launches CRJ450, Premium Twist on CRJ200
United Airlines will make its smallest regional jets more premium, launching the CRJ450 mod of the CRJ200 type, including a first class cabin.
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.