The Viasat Ka-band solid-state, fully-electronic phased array flat panel antenna is ready to begin the final stages of testing on the SES O3b mPOWER constellation. The system entered the Test Readiness Review (TRR) stage of the program. TRR is the final stage of testing to verify compliance with the antenna’s performance requirements.
Lufthansa Group launches short-haul buy-on-board catering
The stale half-sandwich snack will disappear from Lufthansa Group flights in the new year. Passengers demanded better, and now they have the option to pay for it.
Aer Lingus adds Manchester base for Summer 2021
Earlier this summer rumors were swirling about a possible UK base for some Aer Lingus planes. It now appears that Manchester is the airport of choice for those operations. The carrier secured just over 1,500 new slots at the airport, enough to operate a full summer of flights with four long-haul aircraft.
Iceland’s PLAY secures slots at Gatwick, Stansted, Dublin
A year has passed since the company initially planned to start selling seats, enough time to question whether launching a new airline right now is really a smart choice. But Iceland’s PLAY secured access to at least two London-area airports should its operations launch in Summer 2021, suggesting that the company is still pushing forward.
JetBlue’s initial London play: Stansted and Gatwick
JetBlue continues to pursue Heathrow as an option for access to the most lucrative London market, but should the carrier launch transatlantic service in Q3 2021 as currently filed it will be to Stansted and Gatwick.
Aer Lingus approved to join Oneworld TATL joint venture
Aer Lingus received tentative approval from the US Department of Transportation on Monday to join the Transatlantic OneWorld Immunized Alliance joint venture. The ruling, pending final approval and a similar order from the UK’s Competition and Markets Authority (CMA), will allow Aer Lingus to fully participate in the coordination of fares and scheduling with American Airlines, British Airways, Iberia, Finnair and OpenSkies.
Qatar Airways begins upgrade of Panasonic Avionics IFE on 777 fleet
Passengers on Qatar Airways’ 777s are getting an entertainment system upgrade. The carrier committed to refreshing the Panasonic Avionics hardware on board, including new 10″ EcoFW HD screens and other infrastructure.
JetBlue to stop blocking seats in January
JetBlue was one of the last carriers to keep seats blocked on board. Headed into the new year, however, that era will come to a close. As of 8 January 2021 all seats on board will be available for sale.
Uganda Airlines shows off cabin, content plans for A330neo fleet
With delivery of its new A330-800neo aircraft imminent, Uganda Airlines is ready for travelers to learn what the in-flight passenger experience will be like as it launches intercontinental services. The Airspace design elements from Airbus are evident throughout the cabin, as expected for a new delivery. The A zone on board features Stelia‘s Opal business […]
Anchorage, Fairbanks open up to international transit traffic
Your next flight between the US and Asia might just stop over in Alaska. And a foreign airline could operate the entire route. The state won approval on Tuesday for its two major international airports, Anchorage and Fairbanks, to handle transit passenger traffic foreign carriers, similarly to how cargo has moved through the state for 25 years.