Live television in flight is coming to China. Panasonic Avionics will deliver multiple channels of live TV service to China Eastern as the launch customer of its expanded channel selection, adding multiple Chinese broadcasters to its portfolio.
Main Content
Air France adds new North America routes from Guadeloupe
Air France plans a pair of new Caribbean routes this winter, but perhaps a bit outside the normal range of operations. The carrier will connect Montreal and New York City with its mini-hub at Guadeloupe.
Royal Jordanian updates, expands BlueBox IFE offering
The in-flight entertainment on Royal Jordanian just got a bit better. The Jordanian national carrier expanded its “SkyConnect” wireless IFE service to the Embraer E175 and E195 family aircraft. The solution is powered by the Bluebox Wow portable IFE platform.
PaxEx Premium News
PaxEx Premium: Peeling back the layers
How does a major satellite connectivity company solve the problem of congestion at crowded (air)ports without disrupting billions of dollars in existing infrastructure? It is an answer that, much like the network (and ogres), comes with lots of layers.
Anuvu bets big on little satellites for in-flight connectivity
Another small satellite constellation is coming, this time from a rather unlikely source. Inflight entertainment and connectivity middle-man Anuvu (formerly Global Eagle) will bring MicroGEO satellites into service, launching its first constellation in partnership with next-generation satellite manufacturer Astranis.
Intelsat Commercial Aviation launches, retires Gogo name
The product will still be known at 2Ku, at least for now. But the in-flight connectivity company previously known as Gogo Commercial Aviation officially changed its name to Intelsat Commercial Aviation, less than a year after closing on the transaction.
IFEC
China Eastern launches local live TV on board with Panasonic Avionics
Live television in flight is coming to China. Panasonic Avionics will deliver multiple channels of live TV service to China Eastern as the launch customer of its expanded channel selection, adding multiple Chinese broadcasters to its portfolio.
Royal Jordanian updates, expands BlueBox IFE offering
The in-flight entertainment on Royal Jordanian just got a bit better. The Jordanian national carrier expanded its “SkyConnect” wireless IFE service to the Embraer E175 and E195 family aircraft. The solution is powered by the Bluebox Wow portable IFE platform.
TikTok flies free on some American Airlines planes
A few months ago it was on the way to being banned in the United States. Now some airline passengers can access it in the sky without paying extra. TikTok will fly free on most of American Airline’s single-aisle fleet, beginning today.
Inmarsat to grow connectivity with multi-channel Orchestra platform
What if satellites alone are not the best solution to mobile connectivity demand? Under its newly announced Orchestra initiative, Inmarsat wants to take a different tack. The company plans to layer multiple communications technologies, adding terrestrial services and LEO satellites to the existing GEO satellite footprint. Traffic will route via the best available network at any given time.
AirFi adds Vietnam distribution partner
When it comes to delivering an in-flight entertainment and retail solutions, local knowledge and support can go a long way. For segment leader AirFi this takes the form of strategic partnerships with established businesses, improving access to airlines around the globe. Next up on the company’s plans: Vietnam.v
Airlines, Airplanes & Airports
Air France adds new North America routes from Guadeloupe
Air France plans a pair of new Caribbean routes this winter, but perhaps a bit outside the normal range of operations. The carrier will connect Montreal and New York City with its mini-hub at Guadeloupe.
ExpressJet secures approval for independent re-launch
ExpressJet is back. The carrier secured permission from the US Department of Transportation today to resume operations as a scheduled air carrier, ten months after halting operations as a United Airlines regional feeder.
American takes stake in JetSMART, adding ULCC partner in South America
In yet another sign that US carriers are looking past the pandemic recovery process, American Airlines intends to invest in Chilean ULCC JetSMART, expanding its footprint in South America. JetSMART is a portfolio airline of Indigo Partners.
Condor orders A330neo for long-haul fleet refresh
German leisure airline Condor announced an order for 16 A330-900, planning a complete refresh of its long-haul fleet. The carrier will be the launch customer in Germany for the newer generation of the Airbus mid-sized long-haul aircraft. The first aircraft delivery is slated for Autumn 2022, with the full complement in service by mid-2024.
Frontier continues Caribbean expansion, adds four new destinations
Put another four Caribbean dots on the Frontier Airlines route map. After promising last month that more sun and surf destinations are coming the carrier delivered, boosting its plans for the upcoming winter.
Seating & Cabin
Lufthansa expands "Sleeper’s Row" lie-flat coach offering
Lufthansa’s new Sleeper’s Row – a blocked set of seats – takes flight as a modest upcharge for economy class passengers on the carrier’s longest routes.
JetBlue’s Surprise & Delight: A321LR goes domestic
JetBlue’s brand new A321LR will be carrying travelers to London in two weeks, but it entered commercial service a bit early. The aircraft will fly from JFK to Los Angeles on 27 July as flight B6 1723, a “surprise and delight” service to help with crew familiarization. Future similar test flights should be expected.
Cathay Pacific A321neo brings many firsts to market
With its inaugural flight A321neo to Shanghai-Pudong on 4 August, Cathay Pacific will break through a number of milestones, particularly around in-flight entertainment and connectivity services.
Loyalty
Chase launches Air Canada Aeroplan as new co-brand & transfer partner
Starting today, eligible Chase cardmembers can transfer Ultimate Rewards points to Aeroplan, and redeem for travel and flight rewards with Air Canada and their more than 40 airline partners, including the entire Star Alliance network.
Delta Air Lines extends Medallion status another year
Got Status?
For Delta Air Lines’ SkyMiles Medallion members, that status just extended another year. The carrier announced today that member status for the 2022 program year will not be lower than it was in 2021. This is the second consecutive year the carrier chose to extend status in its frequent flyer program.
Allegiant scores concert partnership with Live Nation, Ticketmaster
Checked bag? Priority boarding? Concert tickets??
Passengers traveling with Allegiant will soon have the option to bundle concert tickets with their flight bookings, thanks to a new multi-year partnership with Live Nation and Ticketmaster.
Checked bag? Priority boarding? Concert tickets??
Passengers traveling with Allegiant will soon have the option to bundle concert tickets with their flight bookings, thanks to a new multi-year partnership with Live Nation and Ticketmaster.
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.