With the “completion of all technical milestones and the opening of the first fully operational coverage zone,” the SmartSky in-flight connectivity network is beginning to come online. Route-based flight demonstrations can be performed, marking a major pivot point as it moves towards certification and commercial launch.
Transat to double down on air travel, dump hotels
Many airlines want to be far more than that. Hopes of expanding to offer myriad travel (and, in some cases non-travel) services are broad, extending a brand throughout the “travel ribbon.” But one company with significant experience along that ribbon is shifting course in the other direction. Canada’s Air Transat, fresh off its collapsed planned […]
Buh bye, American Way: American’s in-flight magazine is no more
After 55 years of publication, American Way magazine is no more. The on-board magazine for American Airlines takes its last flight in June 2021.
American, Avalon place major Vertical Aerospace eVTOL orders*
A pair of major order announcements offer a boost for UK eVTOL hopeful Vertical Aerospace, as more than 750 aircraft could have a new home by the middle of the decade.
American’s additional Austin access: 14 more destinations this winter
It might not be a hub or even a focus city, but it is starting to look a lot more like one. American Airlines continues to boost its presence in Austin, TX.
The low-down on LEO IFC options
It should come as no surprise that a trio of Low Earth Orbit (LEO) satellite operators believe more than 90% of in-flight connectivity traffic will pass over their networks in a decade’s time. Still, hearing how SpaceX, OneWeb and Telesat believe their upcoming constellations will compete for traffic during this week’s Connected Aviation Intelligence Summit reveals slightly different takes on the market and what they believe will be necessary to secure customers going forward.
Elite earning bonuses and adjustments for American, JetBlue
American Airlines and JetBlue recognize that elite requalification thresholds remain a challenge for many travelers. The carriers have come up with shifts in earning means and promotions to help boost accounts, though each in a slightly different manner.
Spirit grows in South Florida, adds major Miami network
Miami International Airport is the place to be as air travel recovers in the United States, and Spirit Airlines will not be left out. The carrier announced a massive expansion into the market, with plans for up to 30 daily flights to 30 destinations.
Apple adds TSA-compliant ID capability to iOS Wallet
It was nearly a decade ago that Apple launched Passbook as part of iOS 6. That opened the door to a mobile phone storing digital boarding passes, loyalty program cards, and more. Now the company wants to take an even deeper role in the travel experience: Apple wants the iPhone to be your ID as part of iOS 15.
First ViaSat-3 satellite completes payload integration
The first of the ViaSat-3 satellites reached a major milestone with completion of payload integration and performance testing. The satellite payload shipped to Boeing Satellite Systems in El Segundo, CA for bus integration. The fully assembled satellite will then undergo a complete series of environmental testing to simulate the rigors of launch and operation in the harsh environment of space. Launch is targeted for early calendar year 2022.