Lufthansa’s new Sleeper’s Row – a blocked set of seats – takes flight as a modest upcharge for economy class passengers on the carrier’s longest routes.
Inmarsat to grow connectivity with multi-channel Orchestra platform
What if satellites alone are not the best solution to mobile connectivity demand? Under its newly announced Orchestra initiative, Inmarsat wants to take a different tack. The company plans to layer multiple communications technologies, adding terrestrial services and LEO satellites to the existing GEO satellite footprint. Traffic will route via the best available network at any given time.
AirFi adds Vietnam distribution partner
When it comes to delivering an in-flight entertainment and retail solutions, local knowledge and support can go a long way. For segment leader AirFi this takes the form of strategic partnerships with established businesses, improving access to airlines around the globe. Next up on the company’s plans: Vietnam.v
ExpressJet secures approval for independent re-launch
ExpressJet is back. The carrier secured permission from the US Department of Transportation today to resume operations as a scheduled air carrier, ten months after halting operations as a United Airlines regional feeder.
PaxEx Premium: Peeling back the layers
How does a major satellite connectivity company solve the problem of congestion at crowded (air)ports without disrupting billions of dollars in existing infrastructure? It is an answer that, much like the network (and ogres), comes with lots of layers.
FlightPath3D hits another installation milestone
What does an industry recovery look like? Airlines investing in the on-board product is a strong indicator, and FlightPath3D’s record so far in 2021 suggests things are getting better in a hurry. The company announced an additional 500 aircraft fitted with its moving maps solution in the first half of 2021.
American takes stake in JetSMART, adding ULCC partner in South America
In yet another sign that US carriers are looking past the pandemic recovery process, American Airlines intends to invest in Chilean ULCC JetSMART, expanding its footprint in South America. JetSMART is a portfolio airline of Indigo Partners.
Condor orders A330neo for long-haul fleet refresh
German leisure airline Condor announced an order for 16 A330-900, planning a complete refresh of its long-haul fleet. The carrier will be the launch customer in Germany for the newer generation of the Airbus mid-sized long-haul aircraft. The first aircraft delivery is slated for Autumn 2022, with the full complement in service by mid-2024.
Frontier continues Caribbean expansion, adds four new destinations
Put another four Caribbean dots on the Frontier Airlines route map. After promising last month that more sun and surf destinations are coming the carrier delivered, boosting its plans for the upcoming winter.
JetBlue’s Surprise & Delight: A321LR goes domestic
JetBlue’s brand new A321LR will be carrying travelers to London in two weeks, but it entered commercial service a bit early. The aircraft will fly from JFK to Los Angeles on 27 July as flight B6 1723, a “surprise and delight” service to help with crew familiarization. Future similar test flights should be expected.