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.
Cutting connections: Reviewing the connected aircraft retirements
Hundreds of aircraft rapidly retired from service. Hundreds more shifted into limbo, unclear of when they might fly again. The news no longer surprises, though some of the retirements bring about a sense of loss. For inflight connectivity vendors the impact is more than a sense of loss, however, as it maps to real revenue shortfalls with the aircraft removed from service.
Time is running out for Global Eagle’s financial restructuring
Global Eagle bought itself a few extra weeks. Literally. The company missed an $11 million interest payment on 9 July but negotiated an extension to the end of the month before it will be considered in default on the loan.
Pilots furloughs put squeeze on US regional fleets
With US airlines now filing WARN notices for potential furloughs the potential to see that impact their regional partners is becoming more clear. Scope clauses in the pilot union contracts could have a significant impact come 1 October.
Connections and Connectivity: The Weekly Wrap
This week we’re talking about a big new partnership connecting passengers JetBlue and American Airlines, as well as how Middle East Airlines will be getting connected with Panasonic Avionics.
British Airways ends 747 service
British Airways made it official to crew this evening: the 747 will leave its fleet effective immediately. Subject to consultations with employee unions, the Queen of the Skies will not carry passengers for BA again.
American, JetBlue team for NYC, Boston feed
American Airlines and JetBlue are to launch a “strategic partnership” in Boston and the New York City area, aligning flights and loyalty program benefits to boost their recovery. It reads well in the press release, but how it evoloves in practice is very much up in the air, with few details available from either side.
Better, cheaper inflight wifi rates launch on Air Europa
Air Europa is leaving megabyte packages behind, switching to full-flight pricing for inflight wifi connectivity as it resumes services this week.