Stopovers arguably built the Icelandic tourism economy and its position in the North Atlantic aviation market. But are such programs a guaranteed success? More and more airlines are trying, often with outsized expectations and limited success. Here are a few examples of such…
Counting connections and commitments
Connectivity installations slow slightly over the summer, allowing an opportunity to take a big picture look at the industry and where the various players sit in terms of connected aircraft and future commitments. Compared to a year ago some players have shifted positions, even as the total committed count increases. The latter is definitely good news for all involved while the former is better for some than others.
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SpiceJet launches streaming IFE solution fleet-wide
More than a year after committing to the platform SpiceJet rolled out its inflight entertainment offering today. The BYOD streaming solution, branded SpicEngage, offers, video content, games, reading options and more. Passengers access the system using their own mobile devices. The system, based on Lufthansa Systems’ BoardConnect platform is available fleet-wide, covering both 737 and Q400 aircraft.
United bringing “Preferred” seating to economy class in Q4 2018
United Airlines passengers will soon have the option to pay more for assigned seats on board. These are not the Premium Plus premium economy nor the Economy Plus extra legroom seats. The “Preferred” seating section will sit behind those and be an option for selection starting in Q4 2018. This news was obliquely referenced in today’s announcement of the new United Corporate Preferred program at GBTA in San Diego.
Viasat 8: The Ocho!
It is just one small line inserted into today's Viasat earnings notes, "... total next-generation IFC system installations to around 200 aircraft across eight commercial airlines." The 200 number is nice, but the eight is more significant.
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American Airlines extends Viasat deal to A321neo fleet
American Airlines will take the Viasat Ka-band inflight connectivity solution on its A321neo fleet when deliveries begin in 2019. The 100-aircraft deal was secured in recent weeks and announced by Viasat as part of its quarterly earnings release Thursday afternoon.
A350 (finally) takes to the skies over China
After months and months of delays with their certification to operate in mainland China the very auspicious 8/8 saw two airlines take delivery of the type.
An asterisk on Gogo’s improving revenue numbers
Gogo posted better than anticipated numbers for Q2 '18 this morning, giving the company's share price a nice boost in early morning trading, though it has since given back some of the gains. The business aviation segment continues to lead the company's fortunes but some glimmers of success in the commercial segments are showing, too. So long as American Airlines is excluded from all considerations.
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Parker shoots down AAdvantage spin-off idea. Again.
The push for US airlines to better monetize their loyalty programs continues to grow. But don't expect it to happen any time soon. Airline executives continue to push back – strongly – against such suggestions from Wall Street analysts. The most recent such conversation, during American Airlines' Q2 2018 earnings call CEO Doug Parker was aggressive in explaining why his airline will not be considering such. The co-brand relationship with the credit card is simply too strong.
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Digging in to Norwegian’s A380 mess
Let us assume, for a moment, that airlines are ridiculous but not outright stupid. That might be a stretch, but presumably they go in to any particular course of action with something resembling a plan. Which makes Norwegian’s use of the Hi Fly A380 this week incredibly baffling.