Getting inflight connectivity gear installed on the assembly line opens up great opportunities for suppliers. It appears that, very quietly, another vendor/aircraft combination recently realized that goal.
Massive cuts, uncertain recovery timelines for aviation in the face of COVID-19
What a week. In the face of the steepest global demand drop airlines have seen in a decade the cuts came, quick and deep. The COVID-19/Coronavirus outbreak will upend commercial aviation this year. The big question now is just how much, and what the longer-term impact will look like.
Alaska Airlines offers elite bonus earning in face of COVID-19 booking weakness
Still traveling in the face of the global Coronavirus/COVID-19 outbreak? If you’re flying on Alaska Airlines those trips will now get you even closer to elite status in the carrier’s Mileage Plan frequent flyer program.
Flybe halts operations, enters Administration
Wednesday evening marked the end for embattled British regional airline Flybe. The carrier entered administration (a UK version of bankruptcy protection) and ceased operations. All future flights are canceled, leaving passengers, airports and employees across the United Kingdom to wonder what the future holds.
Viasat signs JAL for Aerodocs document management platform
Japan Airlines will adopt the Viasat Aerodocs document management system to support the airline’s safety and compliance objectives. The Aerodocs platform allows JAL to fully digitize documentation required for pilots as part of its electronic flight bag push.
Airlines press back on accessible lavatory plans
Airlines are not keen to update the on-board lavatory experience to support passengers with reduced mobility, citing costs and limited options as part of the objections.
Qatar Airways brings Inflight VR on board
Some Qatar Airways business class passengers have a new option for inflight entertainment. The carrier is operating a limited number of flights with virtual reality headsets from Inflight VR this month.
IATA pushes for suspension of slot usage requirements due to COVID-19
Long term or short term planning? Balancing both is hard for airlines and the slot rules at crowded airports make it even harder. But IATA faces challenges in getting its members the allowances they want.
Bamboo Airways plans Munich expansion for Summer 2020
Passengers between Germany and Vietnam will soon have a new non-stop option. Vietnam’s Bamboo Airways plans to launch service to Munich this summer from both Hanoi and Ho Chi Minh City.
Vistara takes delivery of first 787-9, plans long-haul expansion
India’s Vistara took delivery of its first Boeing 787-9 twin-aisle jet over the weekend, kicking off its expansion into long-haul service. The aircraft is the first of six Dreamliners expected to join the fleet through the end of 2021 as the carrier seeks new intercontinental destinations.