Finnair’s “shortcut” connection between Europe and the far east via Helsinki is no longer compelling and it has scrambled to rebuild its operations given the new normal. That now includes cuts to the inflight catering, including a switch to buy-on-board for the second meal on two long-haul routes.
Main Content
FAA admits staffing issues, asks airlines for help
The US Government spent plenty of time in recent months chiding airlines for scheduling flights they ultimately did not have the staff to operate. Now the FAA now admits that it, too, has staffing issues, and it needs help from the airlines.
CesiumAstro brings Ka-band ESA to life; Airbus trials planned
CesiumAstro has a lot of experience delivering phased array antenna solutions in space. Now it wants to bring that hardware a bit closer to earth. The company announced a new Ka-band electronically steered antenna (ESA) platform at Satellite 2023, including plans for the commercial aviation sector.
PaxEx Premium News
ThinKom sees ESA integration as a Plus for connectivity hardware
Looking to combine the best-in-class antenna performance with an electronically steered solution for multi-constellation support? ThinKom may soon have a new “Plus” option available.
Viasat confirms Delta fleet growth
Viasat will install its inflight internet solution across more than 1,000 planes for Delta Air Lines as part of an updated agreement between the two companies. The deal includes all active aircraft in its Airbus A330, Airbus A350, and Boeing 767 fleets.
Removing inflight connectivity friction, and maybe creating another problem along the way
Step on board a plane flying with the SpaceX Starlink satellite network and you’re online immdiately. There’s no capture portal, no extra clicks. And that approach may also limit Starlink’s reach into the market, in a somewhat unexpected way.
IFEC
CesiumAstro brings Ka-band ESA to life; Airbus trials planned
CesiumAstro has a lot of experience delivering phased array antenna solutions in space. Now it wants to bring that hardware a bit closer to earth. The company announced a new Ka-band electronically steered antenna (ESA) platform at Satellite 2023, including plans for the commercial aviation sector.
AirFi goes live on Bhutan Airlines
The best entertainment on a flight in or out of Paro, Bhutan arguably comes from the majestic Himalayan mountains just outside. But travelers looking for a bit more on board now have another option, as Bhutan Airlines launches its new streaming entertainment platform, in partnership with AirFi.
Orbit makes antenna play for the regional jet IFC market
As multiple vendors vie for a slice of the regional jet connectivity refresh in the North America Orbit Communication Systems is taking an arguably more well-rounded approach. The company is now pitching its AirTRx family of parabolic antennae as “the ultimate solution for regional jets, where space is limited.”
ThinKom sees ESA integration as a Plus for connectivity hardware
Looking to combine the best-in-class antenna performance with an electronically steered solution for multi-constellation support? ThinKom may soon have a new “Plus” option available.
Astronics plans Ka-band antenna program for 777s
Astronics plans to certify a Ka-band inflight internet terminal for the 777.
Airlines, Airplanes & Airports
FAA admits staffing issues, asks airlines for help
The US Government spent plenty of time in recent months chiding airlines for scheduling flights they ultimately did not have the staff to operate. Now the FAA now admits that it, too, has staffing issues, and it needs help from the airlines.
JetBlue secures Amsterdam slots, for now
JetBlue secured slots for flights to Amsterdam this summer, just five weeks after initiating a regulatory complaint against Dutch authorities. While the airline seems likely to launch the route, it is not yet willing to drop the complaint, owing to details around the type of slots it received.
Canada Jetlines wants to fly to Doha
Upstart Canada Jetlines is still trying to figure out what it wants to be when it grows up. After a few false starts on domestic routes the airline now flies mostly transborder leisure routes from its Toronto hub. In something of a surprise move it now also says Doha is on its radar, in cooperation with Qatar Airways.
JetBlue promises massive Orlando growth if Spirit merger approved
JetBlue plans a pair of new routes between Orlando and the Dominican Republic from November 2023, a down payment on what it sees as more than doubling daily operations in Central Florida should its merger with Spirit Airlines be approved.
Crystal Cabin Awards short list: 80+ designs that will change the way you fly
More than 80 companies and products are set to compete for top honors at the 2023 Crystal Cabin Awards, highlighting new an innovative solutions that will change the passenger experience in the years ahead.
Seating & Cabin
Bringing dedicated crew rest to the single-aisle market
Long flights bring many challenges to airlines. Among them, what about crew rest? Diehl has a new option that could help.
Lufthansa’s Allegris long-haul cabins offer up options for everyone
Is there such a thing as too many choices for passengers? Lufthansa is about to find out. The company formally revealed its “Allegris” long-haul cabin concept on Tuesday, highlighting options for “individuality and exclusivity” on board, and as many as 14 options for passengers.
Free seat assignments for kids: Competition or anti-regulatory ploy?
Three airlines made announcements this week around fees for kids to sit with their parents. Almost certainly driven by a push for regulations, is it enough to hold that off??
Loyalty
Virgin Atlantic is now a part of SkyTeam
Virgin Atlantic officially joins the SkyTeam alliance today, just five months after announcing its intention to affiliate with the group.
airBaltic adds elite status option to Planies NFTs
Passengers can now buy elite status on airBaltic as part of the company’s efforts to bring NFTs into its loyalty program. Members of the airBaltic Club who acquire 25 of the company’s Planies NFTs will receive the VIP status tier in the program.
British Airways brings Paramount+ on board
British Airways will offer content from streaming video provider Paramount+ on board its long-haul fleet. The partnership offers passengers access to an increased range of entertainment content, but stops a step short of bringing true streaming to all passengers on board.
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.