Where are the premium passengers at? United and Qantas are both pushing new projects that aim to deliver a compelling product and collect those higher yields. Plus a new inflight wifi solution hits an installation milestone and more!
Mirus reaches linefit milestone for Airbus A320 family
Seating manufacturer Mirus hit a major milestone this week, dispatching its first ship set of seats to Hamburg for installation on an aircraft at the Airbus factory. The seats are expected to be installed on the final assembly line at Finkenwerder next week, with first flight and customer (AirAsia) delivery shortly thereafter.
United bets big on premium leisure with 2020 transatlantic expansion
When you fly a plane with 30-50% fewer seats than the competition the business case must be incredibly strong. For United Airlines the new 763 High J layout is proving a valuable tool in its transatlantic market expansion, including new routes announced today for 2020.
Qantas plans London, New York nonstops to Sydney this year
The first flights for Qantas’s Project Sunrise will depart far sooner than expected. A trio of test flights later this year will help the carrier make smart choices about service patterns, crew rest and whether the program is really viable after all.
Can Delta’s pilots derail a joint venture success story?
Delta’s recently approved Joint Venture for transatlantic operations hit a small speed bump as the carrier’s pilots filed an objection. While unlikely to be taken too seriously by the Department of Transportation the filing does highlight challenges the carrier will face in future contract negotiations.
JetBlue lights up the East River, adds logo to iconic Pepsi sign
How to celebrate switching beverage vendors in flight? What about adding the JetBlue logo to the iconic Pepsi sign on the East River in New York City?? The move definitely raised awareness, thoug not all positive.
SmartSky’s commercial installations begin
SmartSky’s push towards launching its air-to-ground inflight connectivity solution took a significant step forward earlier this month. The first commercial aircraft to carry the company’s kit is currently in the shop getting the system installed.
A Hong Kong Surprise: PaxEx Update (16 August 2019)
A surprise twist in the Hong Kong protests as Cathay CEO Rupert Hogg resigns. Plus RFID for bags, VR for passengers and new aircraft types launching service soon. A busy week with plenty to uncover in this edition of PaxEx Update!
Southwest announces expanded Hawaii service
Southwest is resuming its Hawaii expansion. The carrier will add three more Pacific crossings daily and more than double its inter-island flights beginning in mid-January 2020.
Virtual reality entertainment gets more funding, more inflight trials
Virtual reality as an inflight entertainment option continues to attract investors and airlines. Inflight VR and SkyLights made news this week on that front, with new cash and inflight trials secured.