Fractional jet operator Airshare will outfit its fleet of Challenger 350 and Challenger 3500 business jets with Viasat’s high-speed inflight connectivity. As the operator seeks to expand its footprint in the United States is sees inflight internet service as a critical factor in delivering increased productivity and efficiency for its customers.
United’s quirky Economy Plus sales options
United Airlines is expanding access to its Economy Plus extra leg room seating option. The carrier now offers passengers the option to purchase it directly in search results, appearing akin to a distinct class of service between economy class and business or first class on board. But it is not a different cabin of service. And that’s just one of the ways the implementation is a wee bit wonky.
American Airlines buys in to Boom, despite significant uncertainties
American Airlines is the second US carrier to sign with Boom Supersonic. The airline plans for 20 Overture deliveries, plus another 40 options.
Tailwind launches DC-ish semi-seaplane service from New York City
College Park Airport just outside Washington, DC will be added to the route map for Tailwind Air, allowing the carrier to offer flights from its base on the East River in New York City to the DC area beginning on 13 September 2022.
JetBlue outlines Mint, TATL growth for 2023
New planes are on the way, and JetBlue plans to resume growth in 2023. But the company anticipates a bit of turbulence along the way. With its A220 and A321neo fleets expanding (10 more expected in 2022, 32 in 2023) the company needs to plan for where they will make the most impact on operations.
Conetic Group builds lounge and IFEC synergies
Coordinating technology, content, branding, and advertising across airports, lounges, and aircraft is a daunting task for airlines. Often the partners they work with specialize in just one of those areas, meaning extra overhead to bring it all together. The newly established Conetic Group hopes to ease that pain, coalescing a trio of market leaders to cross over those boundaries.
Intelsat goes multi-orbit with OneWeb LEO option for airlines
Commercial airlines will soon have another option for in-flight connectivity (IFC) delivered via low earth orbit (LEO) satellites. Intelsat secured a global distribution partnership with OneWeb, allowing for the development of a multi-orbit offering. The partnership builds on Intelsat’s extensive IFC experience and existing geo-stationary (GEO) satellite service, augmented with the OneWeb LEO constellation.
Breeze adds Phoenix routes, Providence base in refactored growth plan
Phoenix is the latest airport to join the Breeze Airways route map. The carrier will launch twice weekly service from Charleston to Provo via Phoenix on its A220 fleet beginning in November. The new flights are part of a half dozen new routes announced this week, along with another crew base being established.
Gogo sees 5G chip issues delaying deployment
Corporate jets are back in the air, and they’re more connected than ever. Gogo’s Q2 results indicates a strong rebound in activity for its corporate jet market, boosting revenues. But the company’s 5G network upgrade will slip a bit more owing to chip shortages.
US airlines delivering less efficient operations
A review of employment numbers and schedules suggests the airlines are up to 20% less efficient than in 2019 on a per-employee basis.