Last week’s confirmation that SmartSky is delaying activation of its new high speed air-to-ground network to Q2 2020 is somewhat disappointing. But understanding why the schedule slipped should provide better clarity for the company’s customers and investors with respect to future expectations of the service. CEO Haynes Griffin provided those details to PaxEx.Aero.
American’s Oasis 2 removes IFE screens
No one really liked the American Airlines “Oasis” retrofit. Fortunately a new version of that interior will be flying soon but it comes with a major change on the IFE front: no more screens on board!
US continues crackdown on Cuba flights
In December 2019 the US government blocked commercial flights between the US and a number of Cuban cities, increasing economic pressures on the Cuban government. Today the Department of Transportation, acting on behalf of the Department of State, upped the ante.
FAA blocks flights over Iran, Iraq
The Federal Aviation Administration issued emergency directives on Tuesday evening prohibiting US aircraft from operating over Iran, Iraq, the Persian Gulf and the Gulf of Oman. The three NOTAMs came in response to escalating military activity in the region. Iran launched an attack just hours prior targeting bases that house US troops, among other things.
Delta highlights airport innovations for the future of travel in CES keynote
What does the future of travel look like? With the 2020 Consumer Electronics Show keynote stage at his disposal Delta Air Lines CEO Ed Bastian spent just over an hour on Tuesday morning going through what he sees as the next big things for the industry. And the company does have some very cool ideas in the pipeline, even if others highlighted in the presentation are less than new.
China Eastern takes an interesting angle for new premium seating
Putting flat bed seats in single-aisle aircraft is hardly a new phenomenon. As the planes fly farther and passengers appear willing to pay for increased comfort that trend will likely continue, with seat manufacturers continuing to innovate in the space. Or, perhaps, taking a step backwards from time to time.
SmartSky secures additional funding, slips delivery date
What’s the best way to share news that the launch product is going to be delayed a bit? Tying it in as an afterthought to $25 million in additional funding definitely helps. For upstart inflight connectivity provider SmartSky the news this week is a mix of good and bad.
California Pacific plans to fly again
If at first you don’t succeed try to fly again. That’s not exactly how the saying goes, but it just might be close enough for California Pacific Airlines (CPA). The company is in the process of resuming operations, though without a formal timeline.
JetBlue goes green with carbon offsets, sustainable fuel deal
JetBlue passengers flying on domestic routes will not have to choose whether they want to purchase carbon offset credits or not going forward. The carrier announced today that it would take on that burden beginning in July 2020. The carrier will also ramp up the use of sustainable aviation fuel (SAF) from the middle of the year, beginning with flights departing San Francisco.
Some airlines cutting Baghdad service due to safety concerns
Following the assassination of Qassem Soleimani near the Baghdad Airport in Iraq on 3 January 2020 the security of the city and the airport remains in question. As a result some commercial airlines made the decision to halt flights. The impact thus far is limited, but could shift as other airlines assess the implications.