Nearly 70 years after Air India was nationalized, it will return to (a version of) its prior home. The government announced today that Tata Sons offered the successful bid for the privatization of the airline. The original operation was run by JRD Tata until the government took it over in 1953.
Bamboo Airways delays US launch plans
Vietnam’s Bamboo Airways now aims to launch service to the United States “at the end of December 2021.” The carrier previously indicated a goal of Q3 2021, but still awaits approval from the US Department of Transportation to operate flights to the USA.v
Eutelsat boosts OneWeb stake
Eutelsat invested an additional $165 million in OneWeb during the latest funding round. The move boosts its share form 17.6% to 22.9%, making it the second largest shareholder, after Bharti.
The British Airways A380 is back!
The British Airways A380 is officially coming back. The airline will use its largest aircraft to carry passengers to warm, sunny destinations as part of a significant rebound in long-haul service volume for the winter.
Plane Simple BizAv antenna launches from Satcom Direct, QEST
Business aviation integrator Satcom Direct completed testing of its new Plane Simple in-flight connectivity antenna solution, confirming full functionality of the kit across multiple satellites and geographies. Across three days of testing the aircraft flew for 16 hours, transitioning between three satellites on the Intelsat FlexExec network, including crossing the Atlantic Ocean.
Status Check: Faster WiFi installing faster
How to get 300ish aircraft fitted with a new in-flight connectivity system in less than a year? Delta Air Lines and Viasat still intend to hit that target by the end of 2021, thanks to an aggressive schedule and cooperation between many parties.
Gogo’s Value Pitch
Riding the wave of business aviation recovery, in-flight connectivity provider Gogo is on a mission to make sure the world knows it is a successful business. And one that believes its stock should be trading at a higher price.
Air France introduces A220, shows off new cabin
The first Air France A220 arrived at the airline’s home base in Paris this week, offering an opportunity for the carrier to show off its new short/mid-haul flagship.
aha! to launch with Reno base, eight destinations
Aha! aims to take flight on 24 October from Reno. It is the third airline to launch operations in the United States this year.
SmartSky wins millions from, injunction against WSS
The legal battle between SmartSky and supplier WSS reached its conclusion, with SmartSky scoring a massive win. Following their initial lawsuits filed in September, and a WSS counterclaim in December, a binding arbitration ruling announced this week delivered victory to SmartSky on 14 distinct claims.