Inmarsat reported a jump in inflight connectivity revenue in Q3, continuing the activation and growth of its GX Aviation solution on aircraft around the world. The numbers suggest additional frames are finally generating revenue, a welcome advance for the company after the first such income was generated just last quarter. Inmarsat also disclosed that at least two recently announced customer wins remain as unsigned, lending credibility to claims that the deals are not yet final. The company also outlined additional details on how it expects the Panasonic partnership to grow.
Is Alitalia’s Milemiglia loyalty scheme next to change?
As Alitalia trudges along, seeking the right mix of investors to keep its airline operations afloat, another portion of the business may prove a more interesting attraction. The Milemiglia loyalty program operates at arm’s length from the core airline business and it could be headed for an abrupt change of course.
PaxEx Premium: Looking ahead to Global Eagle’s earnings
Two stories should deliver a net boost for Global Eagle headed into Thursday's earnings release. They are not both good news (and one remains unconfirmed), but the positive outweighs the negative significantly.
FlyArystan: Kazakhstan’s newest LCC is formed
Say hello to FlyArystan, the world’s newest low cost carrier. The airline officially came into existence today, with parent company Air Astana announcing its formation and plans. The carrier will start with four A320 aircraft in 2019, with plans to fly 15 frames by 2022. Route details remain unclear but domestic operations in Kazakhstan and shorter international routes are the initial targets.
Another fleet added to the Gogo AVANCE L3 portfolio
Coming on the heels of yesterday’s strong earnings report for Gogo’s Business Aviation segment the company announced a new deal today for the Gogo AVANCE L3 platform. Fractional jet services operator Airshare will equip its fleet of Embraer Phenom 100 aircraft with the kit, bringing inflight wifi connectivity online for its customers.
Air Canada’s blockchain play: Less than meets the eye
A major airline commits to blockchain as a distribution avenue. That’s the story being spun about Air Canada’s deal with Winding Tree. And, to some extent it is accurate. But one key point remains relatively muted in the reporting: Air Canada really is not doing anything with blockchain.
Gogo’s strong Q3 offset by global ARPA concerns
Gogo revised its expectations for 2020 and beyond, announcing updated goals as the company continues its drive towards profitability. Alas, details on those revised targets will not be shared with investors. CEO Oakleigh Thorne shared that the new math takes into account "more realistic expectations" of satellite costs and the shift to the airline-directed model. Assuming the new numbers are part of the Q3 '18 numbers they should help the company significantly, though there are indications some parts of the operation could revert to higher costs. The inability for global revenue to keep pace with growth in North America is also concerning given the company's current backlog.
Etihad Economy Space delivers extra leg room
Etihad Airways wants to give passengers a bit more comfort on board. The new Etihad Economy Space offering delivers extra leg room for economy class passengers at a relatively low price. All ten of the A380s will carry the new product by December 2018.
Newest safety video: A grand distraction
Air New Zealand refreshed its safety video once again. And, once again, the move raises questions about just how seriously passengers should be expected to take the performance.
United Airlines wants more Shanghai, hindering American’s China plans
United Airlines joined Delta Air Lines in seeking additional service to Shanghai. The move puts American Airlines in a bind as that carrier hoped to squat on route authorities that are now in demand by the competition.









