Passengers will soon have the opportunity to play some of the most recognized games in pop culture history on a flight. Panasonic Avionics Corporation announced an agreement with Bandai Namco to offer a number of gaming classics on its in-flight entertainment systems as part of a push to strengthen its IFE gaming portfolio.
KLM takes first E195-E2
KLM’s brand new E195-E2 contains an updated interior that should keep passengers comfortable on board, though questions remain about the full suite of amenities to be offered.
SmartSky secures additional funding, sets Summer launch plans
SmartSky announced a new timeline for network deployment, plus some additional cash to help it get there.
Scammy COVID-safety "certifications" could put industry recovery at risk
In the COVID era many companies are more than happy to provide some sort of safety rating, hoping to boost the travel industry’s recovery. Alas, despite their ostensibly noble goals, the end results appear to generally be garbage not worth trusting at all.
Qingdao moves forward with full-fleet connectivity plan
Qingdao Airlines is moving forward with installation of in-flight connectivity on its fleet. Integrator FTS is leading the project with hardware from Gilat and the CHina Satcom satellite infrastructure.
Buh-bye to the British Airways Baby ‘Bus
The British Airways “Baby ‘Bus” A318 is no more. Previously operating between London City and JFK, the carrier officially scrapped G-EUNA this week, bringing an end to that era of business travel.
JetBlue to eliminate change fees, adjust carry-on rules
JetBlue is eliminating change fees from most fares and also removing the option for its Blue Basic passengers to bring a carry-on bag into the cabin as part of its latest fare families update.
Intelsat plans bankruptcy exit, notes liquidation risks
Intelsat has a plan to emerge from its Chapter 11 bankruptcy protection. It involves slashing debt owed by more than half, from $15 billion to $7 billion. But the debtors must agree to those losses. If not, the company faces a more dire outcome, including the likely liquidation of its recently acquired Gogo Commercial Aviation business.
FTS secures BizAv in-flight connectivity deal in China
As the business aviation industry bounces back the need for in-flight internet services on board is proving to be compelling across the globe. And while China has generally lagged in delivering those connections on its domestic aircraft the country’s largest operator of private jets is finally ready to get online.
Air Canada, Transat merger approved, with notable conditions attached
Air Canada and Air Transat received approval from the Canadian government this week to close on their merger, though not without some additional conditions covering slots, loyalty, lounges, and Quebec employment guarantees.