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.
Boeing pays off 737 MAX criminal prosecution for $243 million
Boeing will avoid criminal prosecution related to overt acts to defraud the United States tied to the certification process of 737 MAX. And it managed to purchse that freedom at a bargain price.
Fareportal sues JetBlue as access is cut
JetBlue faces accusations of excluding online travel agencies to “illegally acquire, enhance, and maintain its monopoly over passenger air travel” in markets where it holds a dominant share. Fareportal, parent of CheapOair, filed the suit this week after the carrier cut off access for Fareportal to sell the carrier’s fares.
Aeroplan adds Virgin Australia as earn/burn partner
Members of the Air Canada Aeroplan loyalty program have a new option to expand their travels into Australia. The carrier announced that Virgin Australia will be a partner for both earning and redemption of frequent flyer points as of 19 January 2021.
Thompson Aero Seating sees financial challenges, seeks additional funding
It is a standard legal phrasing that no company wants to include in its financial reports. This week premium cabin seating manufacturer Thompson Aero disclosed concerns about its finances and a need to secure additional, external funding.
Guns at the Checkpoint: Diving in to the TSA’s data on firearm incidents
The TSA cannot seize weapons at its checkpoints. But the Agency can enforce civil penalties against violators. For some reason, however, those penalties all but disappeared starting in November 2018.
Delta picks Viasat for single-aisle connectivity refresh
Delta Air Lines is officially leaving Gogo/Intelsat behind on part of its fleet, switching to Viasat’s Ka-band in-flight connectivity offering on more than 300 single-aisle aircraft. The deal, announced on Tuesday, will see the Viasat kit installed on new delivery and retrofit A321ceo, 737-900ER and select 757-200 aircraft starting this summer.
Keeping it mechanical: QEST announces new Ka-band antenna
QEST expects mechanical antennae to remain key to the in-flight connectivity market for many years to come. The company’s latest offering demonstrates its commitment to that segment, even as it continues to work on ESAs for the longer-term future.
JetBlue takes delivery of first A220
JetBlue promised it would take delivery of its first A220 in 2020 and it beat the deadline by mere hours, with an evening ferry flight from Mobile to JFK on New Year’s Eve.