By the time a company is ready to run a media demo flight of a new technology the assumption is that the system will work as advertised. Still, as the SmartSky Citation Excel taxied for departure on a clear Florida morning a couple weeks ago there were questions to be answered and tests to be run. Come on board as I put the system through its paces.
The newest premium security access trick? Take the bus!
Looking to jump the security queues at the airport? Elite status with a loyalty program or premium cabin tickets can often do the trick. Bus riders in Boston will now join that group thanks to an innovative program introduces by Massport this month.
Aer Lingus launches AerSpace, joining the EuroBiz club
Aer Lingus passengers now have the option to purchase a “business class” seat on many short-haul routes. The carrier officially launched AerSpace, a EuroBiz-ish offering with a blocked middle seat on board and other amenities on offer.
Bombardier to restructure aviation, sell off Belfast composite wing facility
First Bombardier sold off the CSeries (now A220) to Airbus. Then the Q400 turboprop business was sold to Viking Air. Today the company announced further restructuring, with plans to consolidate remaining operations in the Americas while divesting its composite aerostructures businesses in Belfast and Morocco.
American Airlines reportedly expanding IFC relationship with Viasat
A lack of global Ka-band coverage won’t stop American Airlines from expanding its Viasat inflight connectivity relationship. The pair are reported to be deploying a Ku/Ka offering on upcoming 787 deliveries.
Etihad increases Heathrow flights to protect Jet Airways slots
How do you say “slot squatting” in Arabic? Etihad Airways plans a pair of additional flights to Heathrow from its Abu Dhabi home starting in the next two months, squatting on openings it picked up from Jet Airways as that carrier collapsed.
Delta returns to Mumbai, launching from JFK in December
Delta Air Lines is bringing back its Mumbai service. The new service, launching in December, was announced with significant political overtones and brings the carrier into a busy market.
PaxEx Premium: UON updates offerings, looks to expand install base
As the newest supplier in the inflight connectivity market Saudi Arabia's UON by Taqnia Space faces plenty of challenges. It also is arguably the most nimble and adaptable player in the game, with plenty of opportunity to tailor its offerings and business model to airline demands as it looks to grow. During a conversation at the Aircraft Interiors Expo in Hamburg earlier this month CEO Abdullah Alosaimi offered up some insight on how the company intends to do exactly that.
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Gulf Air selects Thales, Inmarsat GX for 787-9, A321LR connectivity
Gulf Air’s newest aircraft will feature inflight connectivity from Thales InFlyt, powered by the Inmarsat GX Aviation platform. The companies announced the deal today covering twenty five planes that will fly on longer routes.
Etihad’s cabin "upgrades" to trim amenities on board
The announcement includes lots of big words and platitudes, but it is hard to see Etihad’s new A320 interior plans as anything but cuts to the short-haul product. The company hopes to slash costs with the moves while also increasing the number of seats on board, increasing the potential revenue.