Air New Zealand will acquire eight new 787-10 Dreamliners as part of its fleet upgrade program. The new aircraft will arrive beginning in 2022, continuing through 2027. The long-expected order will see the new aircraft replace the carrier’s existing 777-200 fleet.
Viasat’s inflection point
Massive expansion costs are set to give way to recurring revenue growth. That is the message Viasat delivered as it issued is most recent earnings numbers this week. Even as the company pushes forward with the build-out of its new ViaSat-3 constellation with dramatically more bandwidth and geographic coverage, it hopes to convert the existing capacity into new deals and new subscribers, with a significant push into new inflight connectivity markets, among other areas.
Viasat delivers inflight connectivity on Embraer Praetor 600
Among the many accomplishments Embraer’s Praetor 600 realized this week, arriving at EBACE with inflight wifi operational is a pretty nice win. That system is operating on the Viasat network and includes the newest BizAv tail-mount kit from the company.
Bits and bobs from EBACE 2019
The annual Geneva gathering of the Business Aviation world known as EBACE is once again underway. The event is a showcase for aircraft manufactures and third party suppliers to highlight their new offerings and features for the private jet travel industry. This year’s show includes incremental updates in the inflight connectivity and entertainment segment, as well as fun new interiors and even progress towards sustainability.
Considering Gogo’s ATG-NG play
The on again, off again progress on an upgraded terrestrial network for inflight connectivity provider Gogo appear to be back in motion. In the company's most recent earnings call CEO Oakleigh Thorne indicated that the company is "particularly excited by some of the plans we’re developing for our next-gen network," though he stopped short of delivering too much in the way of additional details. Hardware supplier ZTE is out, thanks to questions about the long-term viability of growing the network with a Chinese vendor in the mix. But the program is very much alive, despite skepticism sown in Thorne's early days at the helm.
Virgin Atlantic returns to Mumbai
Nearly five years ago Virgin Atlantic dropped its services to India’s financial center, Mumbai. Just five months from now the airline will bring it back. Starting 27 October 2019 Virgin Atlantic will fly from London to Mumbai on a daily basis.
American, DFW to build a $3bn Terminal F
American Airlines had big plans for its hub in Dallas-Fort Worth International Airport (DFW). Today the airline and the airport announced a deal that will see a new Terminal F constructed with up to 24 gates available for the carrier. The work is expected to start immediately with entry into service by 2025. The project is expected to cost between 3-3.5 billion dollars.
You can help fund the return of Midwest Express!
This is not quite a crowdfunding play for an upstart airline, but it is close. Midwest Express continues it comeback run and consumers can help thanks to a new online shop the company set up. It is unlikely the margins on logoed golf balls and pint glasses will help close the gap on the $6-8 million dollars the company is seeking to raise for its next funding round, but at least there’s a guarantee that shoppers will get something for the spend.
Gogo 2Ku to fly on the ACJ319neo
Late last month Airbus performed an impressive feat: It flew an A319neo for more than 16 hours as part of the certification process for the type. That same plane, the first customer frame of the A319neo, will soon be delivered to a private owner. When that happens it will also allow for the travelers on board to be online and entertained for any of its trips. Gogo announced today that it will be fitted with the 2Ku inflight connectivity solution as part of the kitting out process.
CTrip, Routehappy team for improved online shopping experience
Millions of passengers across Asia will soon have access to more and better information when shopping for flights thanks to a new partnership between CTrip and Routehappy by ATPCO.








