Swanky space cabins and safer airline cabins lead this week’s episode, while more options for buying blocked seats are reaching the market. Add some more nutritional food on board and this Weekly Wrap is ready to fly!
Amazon commits $10 billion to Kuiper LEO constellation
What does it take to put a new low earth orbit (LEO) satellite constellation into service? The myriad technical challenges are not to be underestimated, of course, but a lot of it comes down to money. In the case of the Amazon Kupier project that’s a $10 billion commitment.
Eutelsat expands direct retail broadband sales with Bigblu acquisition
Eutelsat has big new plans for selling retail broadband services across Europe. The company will acquire Bigblu Broadband (excluding its Nordics operations) for 38 million GBP. The deal brings approximately 50,000 customers into the network.
Gogo to trim headcount as recovery optimism weakens
Gogo is eliminating 143 fulltime positions, predominantly from the Company’s Commercial Aviation business. The move aims to “align the scale of its organization with current demand for aviation connectivity services” as the current industry downturn continues to impact its revenue, especially in the commercial aviation segment.
Boom Supersonic picks an engine manufacturer (for further discussions)
Should the Boom Supersonic jet take flight later this decade there’s a very strong chance it will be powered by Rolls-Royce engines. While this is not a formal engine model selection it does advance the project and provides further indications as to how the program might take flight.
Eutelsat, Intelsat team up to sell QUANTUM capacity in MENA
When Eutelsat’s QUANTUM enters service in 2021 it will have two companies working to sell its capacity. A new deal with Intelsat announced today allows both companies to sell the satellite’s Ku-band capacity to customers.
JetBlue launches trial for Honeywell’s UV Cabin System (f/k/a GermFalcon)
JetBlue is the first US airline to press the Honeywell Aerospace UV Cabin System into service. The product, formerly known as GermFalcon, entered a trial program at the carrier on Tuesday. The move comes just weeks after Honeywell signed an exclusive deal with Dimer LLC covering production, marketing and sales of the solution.
American Airlines adds AAdvantage redemption option for Five Star Service
How can you make the loyalty program more relevant for the travelers slowly returning to the skies over North America? Points and travel are not a compelling as they were last year, but American Airlines is hoping that its AAdvantage members will consider spending some of their account balance to gain a bit of extra comfort and privacy during their travel day through the Five Star Services program.
Slot swappin’ – How New York operations could shift for American Airlines and JetBlue
When the deal was first announced JetBlue and American Airlines chose to keep quiet about potential slot swaps at New York City’s airports. With some time now passed, however, both sides are sharing more. And – pending regulatory approval – it is clear that they have big plans together.
GoAir launches Go Fly Private increased social distancing option
Blocked middle seats are nice, but what if you want more space on board? India’s GoAir is taking the extra seat concept to extremes, launching Go Fly Private, an option for passengers to buy as many seats as they want to create a buffer zone on board.