Gaining elite status in the Southwest Airlines Rapid Rewards program will be a little easier in 2021. The company announced a boost for all members and adjustments to some partner qualifying activities.
OneWeb shrinks constellation plans, expands funding
OneWeb scaled back its next generation constellation plans while also announcing hundreds of millions of dollars in additional funding that helps the company move closer to placing the initial 648 satellites into service.
Norwegian abandons long-haul operations, refocuses on 737 routes in Europe
Chalk up another major long-haul LCC failure. Norwegian will abandon its fleet of 37 787 Dreamliners, refocusing on the short-haul European market served with single-aisle aircraft.
Panasonic Avionics bucks consolidation trend, dumps ITC Global
What’s NEXT for Panasonic Avionics? The company sold off its ITC Global maritime connectivity group this week, redoubling its focus on in-flight connectivity. That approach is counter to what many of its competitors are pursuing, however, raising a number of questions.
Counterclaims and Arbitration: WSS and SmartSky continue legal wrangling
The legal battle between SmartSky and supplier WSS continues unabated. And some of the assertions in the counterclaim are spectacularly juicy.
Inside the new JetBlue A220 cabin
After taking delivery on New Year’s Eve, JetBlue is finally opening the door of its brand new A220-300 for travelers to take a peek inside.
Safran certifies Z110i seats on Embraer E-Jets
Safran’s newest mid-range economy class seats can now be installed on Embraer E-Jet aircraft.
British Airways completes EAN in-flight connectivity rollout for short-haul fleet
Nearly three years after the infrastructure build-out completed and two years after the service launched on aircraft, British Airways completed the installation and activation of the Inmarsat/Telekom EAN in-flight connectivity offering on its short-haul fleet.
DOT announces airline service mandates for extended PPP funding
Expect to see a few new and unexpected routes operating over the next 10 weeks. As with the Summer 2020 version of the Payroll Support Program US airlines face certain service obligations to receive funding under the renewed version this winter. And the US Department of Transportation expects far fewer exceptions this time around.
British Airways revamps Speedbird Cafe, requires advance purchase
Passengers planning to eat on board their next British Airways short-haul route will need to plan ahead. As part of the new Speedbird Cafe program the airline will only cater fresh food for passengers who order and paid in advance.