The Ides of March proved challenging in the upper ranks of SmartSky’s leadership. At least two members of the company’s senior leadership team appear to be affected by the changes.
Small airports seek big bucks for new services
When it comes to launching new service at smaller airports revenue guarantees to airlines are a key factor. The US Department of Transportation offers Small Community Air Service Development Program (SCASDP) grants to help airports cover the costs of those guarantees. And with another round of applications released this week we can see which markets are compelling to airports and airlines.
Global Eagle secures STCs for Turkish Airlines in-flight internet launch
Get ready for more in-flight wifi on the Turkish Airlines fleet. Global Eagle secured its initial Supplemental Type Certificates allowing for the installation and activation of the Airconnect Global Ku platform on the 737 family of aircraft. The STCs come approximately 10 weeks after the first equipped aircraft returned to service with the hardware on board.
US DOT puts the squeeze on Hong Kong
The US Department of Transportation will require Hong Kong-based airlines to file their planned operations in advance, a first step towards potentially limiting the frequency or types of flights from the Chinese Special Administrative Region to the United States. The move comes in response to a change in quarantine policies effected 20 February that asymmetrically benefit Cathay Pacific’s cargo operations over all other operators.
Norwegian long-haul is dead; Long live Norse Atlantic Airways
Norse Atlantic Airways may soon be flying between the US and Europe, replacing Norwewgian’s long-haul abmitions with fresh funding.
Breezing into service: Three likely coastal hubs for Breeze Airways
Where will Breeze Airways launch its operations? Based on comments related to crew hiring it now appears the carrier has a trio of coastal Southeastern cities in mind.
NXTCOMM validates antenna design, sets sights on scale
Transitioning from proof-of-concept to at-scale manufacturing brings many challenges. NXTCOMM is ready to face those down as it plans to deliver its phased array antenna solutions later this year.
Gogo slips 5G to 2022, sees smooth upgrade path
Officially slipping the Gogo 5G network into 2022 from this year is not great news, but Gogo’s overall finances emerged from 2020 stronger than expected and the next 5 years should complete the transformation.
Going long at LAX
More than a dozen longer domestic routes added at LAX in the past year are likely to bring about a different sort of recovery as the pandemic subsides.
Alaska Airlines extends Recaro partnership for 737 MAX seating
As the Alaska Airlines 737 MAX fleet expands passengers can expect familiarity on board. The carrier will keep the interior common to the existing fleet, extending its partnership with seating supplier Recaro into the latest tranche of deliveries.









