Live television is back on American Airlines. Driving the return – much as it drove the disappearance last year – is demand for live sports on board.
Air Canada refreshes Rouge A321s, adds legroom on board
Some travelers on Air Canada’s Rouge fleet should find themselves just a bit more comfortable starting later this year. The carrier announced plans to retrofit cabins and remove a few seats on nine of its A321s, increasing legroom for passengers.
Lufthansa introduces Airspace interior on A321neo
Lufthansa joined the Airspace by Airbus single-aisle family this month, with its first A321neo entering service with the updated cabin design. The carrier is the first in Europe to offer the refreshed interior.
Southwest Rapid Rewards doubles tier points through November
Southwest Airlines joins the list of airlines admitting that its frequent flyer ranks thinned faster than hoped. As the year draws to a close and the company scales back its flight schedule (citing operational challenges, but demand is also dropping), it will also offer double elite credit in the Rapid Rewards loyalty program in hopes of attracting a few extra trips from its customers.
QantasLink adds streaming IFE to regional ops
Qantas plans to add in-flight entertainment to its regional jet operations. The carrier’s QantasLink group will add wireless IFE to its jets in partnership with streaming IFE provider Bluebox Aviation Systems.
Greater Bay Airlines selects Burrana RISE for in-seat power
When Greater Bay Airlines takes flight from Hong Kong, expected later this year, passengers will have power available at their seats. While few details of the in-flight product are available, the carrier will offer USB outlets for every passenger, with the RISE USB solution from Burrana.
JetBlue extends London schedule cuts through October
JetBlue’s newly launched service to London will continue to operate at reduced frequencies through October. Gatwick flights will launch as previously planned, but overall flights will be reduced.
Aer Lingus UK receives initial US authorization to fly
The new Aer Lingus UK flights between Manchester, UK and the USA moved a step closer to reality. The US Department of Transportation issued a Show Cause order approving the carrier’s plans and asking for any final objections. Lacking those (and none are expected) the order should take effect by the end of the month.
Eastern plans major cargo push, without major cargo conversion
Air cargo is hot right now, and Eastern Airlines wants in on that action. But the company plans to get there in a unique way.
Flat-rate connectivity bundles launch from Panasonic Avionics
In-flight connectivity packages measured by the megabyte generally suck for consumers. Uncertainty over consumption rates and costs make for a worse passenger experience. Panasonic Avionics now wants to help address that issue, but more for the airlines than passengers.