With the infusion of new cash coming as part of the Intelsat deal Gogo is well-positioned to invest in its updated air-to-ground (ATG) network, branded “Gogo 5G.” And the company has high hopes for increased revenue that network will deliver, both from its Business Aviation customers and from Intelsat. The latter secured a 10-year exclusive contract to resell Gogo’s ATG connectivity to commercial airlines and the (mostly) regional jets flying with the system installed as part of the deal to acquire the Commercial Aviation business.
Thai Airways launches inflight catering pop-up cafe
Have a hankering for an inflight meal but unable to travel? If you’re in Bangkok Thai Airways is happy to help sate that desire. The airline launched a pop-up cafe at its headquarters building for visitors to drop in and grab a snack.
Amazon’s first 763 freighter is now registered
Fresh off the issuance of its Airline Operations Certificate over the weekend Amazon is now also the proud owner of its first cargo 767 operating under a direct registration rather than through a leasing agreement. The registration N503AZ was issued on 31 August 2020 to Amazon.com Services LLC.
A stalled recovery: Airline traffic retreating
The commecial aviation industry as we once knew it faces a dire situation. And none of the recent data offers much of the way in optimism for the coming months.
Intelsat to buy Gogo Commercial Aviation for $400 million
Intelsat will purchase the Commercial Aviation business from Gogo for a “headline” price of $400 million. Intelsat’s attorney’s announced the deal as part of a hearing at the US Bankruptcy Court this afternoon.
United drops change fees. Forever.
United Airlines is ready to change. Or, perhaps more accurately, the company is ready for passengers to change their plans more often. In a major policy shift the carrier will no longer charge travelers a fee to change their booking on most domestic tickets. And, unlike the temporary waiver of this fee in place over recent months, this change is set to last forever.
SkyFive makes major 5G inflight connectivity progress in China
SkyFive is betting big on inflight connectivity in China. The upstart air-to-ground (ATG) network infrastructure provider recently announced a Strategic Technology Partnership with Airbus. The partnership also includes China Mobile as the local mobile telecom provider.
Amazon Prime Air drones secure FAA exemption
Amazon’s Prime Air drone delivery plans scored a boost on Thursday. The Federal Aviation Administration approved an exemption allowing the company to move forward with operations while working towards formal certification of the MK27 UA aircraft and the airline operations. The approval comes with significant limits, but allows the company to continue development of the platform and supports progress towards the necessary certifications.
Recaro, WizzAir partner for massive seating order
The biggest commercial aircraft order in history begat the biggest airline seating order in history. Recaro will supply nearly 100,000 of its SL3710 seats to Indigo Partners airlines, with Wizz Air up first starting next year.
Intelsat emerges as leading contender for Gogo’s Commercial Aviation business
We could learn the fate of Gogo’s Commercial Aviation (CA) business by the end of the month, assuming some details in a recent Intelsat bankruptcy filing play out. The latter filed for approval to increase its Debtor-in-Possession (DIP) funding as part of a transaction it hopes to consummate by 31 August.