Even LCC passengers need power on board. TUI is meeting that need with Astronics’ new UltraLite USB outlets, installed as part of its Boeing 737 MAX 8 deliveries. All sorts of good PaxEx news in this deal…
SmartSky goes after the little guys with LiTE connectivity
Smaller planes need WiFi, too. Upstart SmartSky launched its LiTE platform this week, targeting light jets and props with a flat-rate, unlimited high speed product.
When even the boss doesn’t like cabin densification
Does management hate the new JetBlue galley/lav setup as much as passengers? It sure sounds like it from the CEO, though that didn’t stop the company from doing it anyways, so…
United cutting Polaris service citing customer feedback
Surprised that changes are coming to United Airlines’ Polaris service? Apparently the cuts are coming because of customer preference, so there’s that.
Gilat goes cuckoo for Ku-Ka
One antenna kit to handle connections to multiple satellite networks sounds like a great idea. Gilat now has one on offer but there’s just one problem: It is unclear that commercial demand is truly sufficient for such. Oopsie.
What United’s domestic premium economy offering look like?
United Airlines’ President Scott Kirby slipped news about a potential new domestic premium economy offering into an investor briefing this morning. What will it look like? When will it roll out? What will it replace? Of course, no answers to these important questions, but here are some interesting ideas to consider as United moves forward on this effort.
Engine selection “core” to Boom Supersonic’s success
Supersonic is sexy as hell for marketing but it is also hard to accomplish. Powering the aircraft is proving to be one of the bigger challenges for Boom Supersonic as no current engine model meets the company’s needs. Can an existing “core” solve those problems? Company CEO Blake Scholl seems to think so, though he also appears dependent on getting new engines faster than Boeing can for its NMA. So that’s an interesting set of circumstances.
New Chairman, CEO, funding for Global Eagle
After taking nearly a year to unwind the complexity of its financials following a string of acquisitions Global Eagle is finally ready to move forward on executing its plan. Leadership and funding changes announced this week are a major step forward on that front.
Panasonic, APSATCOM announce "XTS" satellite plans
Airline passengers in China and across Asia will soon have access to significantly more inflight wifi connectivity bandwith. Panasonic Avionics and APSATCOM announced the first “XTS” ultra-high speed Ku-band satellte, set to launch in early 2019.
Icelandair kills off premium economy offering
Premium economy disappearing from an airline?!? It is certainly uncommon these days but Icelandair appears to have at least two good reasons for making the move.