Some 747 farewells transitioning into possible electric aircraft growth. Plus an interview about the upcoming FTE/APEX Virtual Expo and lots more!
Viasat raises $175 million in share sale
Viasat’s liquidity got a strong boost this week the company placed $175 million in shares through private transactions. The deal bolsters Viasat’s cash balance while not assuming additional debt, an important longer term factor for the company’s success.
Air Canada revamps services as Maple Leaf Lounges reopen
The buffet is out while masks are in. Air Canada begins the reopening its Maple Leaf Lounges this week with a new set of rules and services for passengers.
Deutsche Telekom expands free GX Aviation wifi offering on Lufthansa Group flights
Inmarsat, Deutsche Telekom, and the Lufthansa Group are extending their complimentary inflight wifi access plan. First launched in July 2019, the companies increased the number of covered customers in April 2020 and intend to keep the program alive at least through December 2021.
Global Eagle refocuses on long-term outlook
There is an air of optimism, of relief emanating from the C-Suite at Global Eagle this week. And, to be sure, a realization that massive amounts of work remain for the company to truly succeed, but a conversation with CEO Josh Marks and President Per Noren suggests massive optimism now that the company’s interest payment burdens halve thanks to an agreement to convert debt to equity through the Chapter 11 bankruptcy filing made on Wednesday.
ZIM Flugsitz seeks insolvency protection
German seating manufacturer ZIM Flugsitz filed an application for debtor-in-possession insolvency proceedings with the Local Court of Constance. The company cites a “persistent and considerable decline in sales” in recent months in forcing its need for legal protections.
Boeing plans for airbags in some 777X seating structures
Airbags on planes are not new. Seatbelts have had them to protect passengers in case of a crash, but for at least some seats on the 777X Boeing intends to change the setup a bit. Rather than mounting them on the seatbelts the airbags will be mounted on structures in the cabin. The Federal Aviation Administration is now soliciting feedback on this new design as it considers the type certification for the 777-9.
Global Eagle secures $80 million DIP financing in Chapter 11 bankruptcy filing
Global Eagle will restructure and recapitalize under Chapter 11 of the US Bankruptcy code. Substantially all of the company’s assets are to be acquired for $675 million, reducing total debt by approximately $475 million. The deal also includes $80 million in fresh debtor-in-possession financing to ride out the current downturn.
SITA, NEC partner for touchless airport experience powered by your face
Touchless travel is top of mind for passengers today. Most developments on that front are for limited scenarios, such as just bag drop or just flight boarding gates. SITA and NEC want to change that through a new partnership launched today. The pair will integrate NEC’s I:Delight identity management platform with SITA Smart Path and SITA Flex to enable a secure walk-through travel experience from curb to aircraft.
Air Canada partners with celebrity chef Jérôme Ferrer for economy meals
As Air Canada brings back meals on board it is adding a bit of flair. On its longest intercontinental flights the meals for economy and premium economy passengers will now be designed by a celebrity chef.