If the planes are going to be mostly empty it is better to fly fewer of them. For Spirit Airlines this means sending some of its smaller jets on triangle routes, connecting two cities before retuning to a hub. The new service pattern appears planned through June based on schedule details reviewed online.
JetBlue plans new route network for CARES Act compliance
Faced with the requirement to serve a number of airports that otherwise lack demand JetBlue will adjust its route network in May and June, offering a number of “tag” flights rather than nonstop service to a focus city.
The Weekly Wrap: Cargo conversions and funky seating options
Looking to catch up on passenger experience news in recent days? I’ve got a fun new video series with Maryann Simson from APEX Media and we’re covering all the top headlines.
De Havilland, Air Canada Cargo partner on Dash 8-400 cargo conversion
Air Canada Express is the latest operator of a “Covid-Combi” fleet, with up to 13 Dash 8-400s slated for conversion. The planes will help the carrier move critical cargo throughout the country.
COVID crushing inflight connectivity: Part 2
Airlines have plenty of reasons to be concerned as the cashflow crunch threatens their survival. So too, however, do the many smaller suppliers that deliver services to those airlines. What was mild trepidation at the beginning of the year, generally tied to the 737 MAX grounding is now, in some cases, a full-on threat to the survival of these businesses. And, unlike the airlines, these suppliers generally do not have the luxury of bailout funding from the federal government.
In part two of this report we explore the impact on Viasat, Thales, Inmarsat and Panasonic Avionics.
Gogo furloughs 60% of workforce, applies for CARES Act support
No revenue coming in for Gogo means little money to pay its employees. The company announced a furlough of 600 people, 60% of its staff, as it adjusts its business in hopes of surviving the COVID-19 downturn.
Linstol takes over Phitek’s premium headphones product line
Premium inflight headphones have a new home in the market. Phitek/Ampehnol, developer of a leading line of noise-cancelling headphones and a unique, magnetic jack that reduces damaged gear, licensed its offerings to Linstol for future production and distribution.
ZIPAIR pushes forward with plans for US service
Japanese long-haul low cost carrier startup ZIPAIR sees challenges on the horizon, but it continues to push forward with its plans to launch service this year, including between its Tokyo hub and Honolulu later this Fall.
Inflight social distancing will kill short-haul LCC travel: IATA
Blocking middle seats or even sitting passengers every other row is not a problem when load factors hover in the mid-teens, occasionally peaking at 30% for an especially busy flight. But if social distancing rules remain in place IATA executives believe the LCC market could collapse as a financially unsustainable endeavor.
Introducing yin-yang seating for economy class
Just how much will passenger expectations shift in the post-COVID19 world? No one really knows yet, but at least one aircraft seating manufacturer is ready with some creative ideas for helping ensure passenger isolation, even without reducing seating density. Welcome to the “Janus” seat from Aviointeriors, a yin-yang option for economy class.