Southwest Airlines selected Viasat’s next generation, Ka-band satellite in-flight connectivity (IFC) system on aircraft deliveries, starting this fall. New 737 MAX aircraft will see the Viasat kit installed by Boeing on the factory line, arriving at Southwest with the WiFi service ready to fly.
Air France brings suite doors to 777-300ER business class cabin
Air France plans to retrofit a dozen 777-300ER aircraft, including a new business class seat with privacy doors. The cabin retrofit is part of the carriers efforts to “move upmarket” and “offer its customers the best of France and take elegance to new heights.”
Avianca, Viva plan a merger to keep competing
Can a merger of competing airlines improve customer choice and lower prices? History suggests, time and again, the answer is no. But that did not stop Avianca from suggesting that a buyout of Viva would do precisely that.
Republic seeks waiver on 1,500 hour rule for pilots
With the pilot shortage challenge becoming ever more acute, regional carrier Republic Airways is looking for a different way to get more pilots into its operations. The carrier filed an application with the US Federal Aviation Administration last month seeking permission for pilots with 750 hours of flight experience – half the current requirement – to be licensed as a Restricted Air Transport Pilot (R-ATP), eligible to operate commercial service for the company.
Lufthansa adds 787-9s as 777X delivery delays drag on
With delivery timing on its 777X fleet still uncertain, Lufthansa is turning to the 787-9 to help backfill missing capacity. The carrier added seven new passenger aircraft to its order book, while also expanding its Boeing freighter operations.
EL AL plans Bluebox WOW deployment for 737 streaming entertainment stopgap
EL AL plans a shift in its in-flight entertainment strategy, at least in the short term. The carrier signed an agreement to deploy the Bluebox WOW streaming IFE platform across its fleet of 26 737s the company ramps up its recovery.
Shedding seats: Short-staffed short-hauler seeks schedule stability
Being short-staffed for summer schedules is not a unique problem for airlines. EasyJet’s approach to addressing it, however, is rather different from the others.
Allegiant goes Extra for legroom on board
Extra leg room is coming to Allegiant. For a price. The carrier will expand its “Allegiant Extra” offering (first trialed in 2019) significantly across the fleet.
A321XLR slips as Airbus prepares output boost
The A321XLR should make its first flight by the end of next month, kicking off the certification process. But Airbus now expects certification to take a bit longer than previously planned.
Peek inside the Starlux A330neo
What awaits passengers on the new Starlux A330neo? The carrier recently shared photos of its new interiors, tipping some details.