SmartSky’s push towards launching its air-to-ground inflight connectivity solution took a significant step forward earlier this month. The first commercial aircraft to carry the company’s kit is currently in the shop getting the system installed.
A Hong Kong Surprise: PaxEx Update (16 August 2019)
A surprise twist in the Hong Kong protests as Cathay CEO Rupert Hogg resigns. Plus RFID for bags, VR for passengers and new aircraft types launching service soon. A busy week with plenty to uncover in this edition of PaxEx Update!
Southwest announces expanded Hawaii service
Southwest is resuming its Hawaii expansion. The carrier will add three more Pacific crossings daily and more than double its inter-island flights beginning in mid-January 2020.
Virtual reality entertainment gets more funding, more inflight trials
Virtual reality as an inflight entertainment option continues to attract investors and airlines. Inflight VR and SkyLights made news this week on that front, with new cash and inflight trials secured.
Midwest Express secures aircraft, plans flights by end of year
The Midwest Express comeback story cleared another hurdle this week as the carrier announced it has secured aircraft to (re)launch flights. The company will contract with Elite Airways to operate its aircraft.
Spirit’s WiFi Install Woes
Fast wifi, fleet wide and flying in about a year. The original announcement between Thales Inflyt and Spirit Airlines laid out an aggressive plan to fit the low cost carrier's fleet with inflight connectivity service. More than a year later, however, only a handful of planes have the system installed and it is not active for passengers on any of them. What happened and when will it get better??
Azul launches shuttle service in Brazil’s busiest market
What’s an airline to do with a 15 highly coveted slot pairs in one of Brazil’s busiest airports? Azul is launching a shuttle service for business travelers at the end of the month.
Air Canada announces new A220 routes, unveils interior
Air Canada’s first A220 is working through the Airbus FAL in Mirabel as it nears delivery. The carrier released details on the interior design this week, as well as two new routes the type will launch next Spring.
United Airlines to update MAX order
United Airlines appears poised to adjust its 737 MAX order book, as well as change the way the aircraft interiors are fitted. Multiple internal documents reveal an updated plan that should have passengers happy on board.
Airport disruptions continue in Hong Kong, airlines add waivers
Escalating protests in Hong Kong are spilling over into the aviation segment, raising the already high stakes to a new level.