JetBlue appears to have secured a second permanent daily slot at London’s Heathrow Airport beginning in Summer 2023. This allows the carrier to operate double daily flights into one of the most difficult markets to secure access.
SLAs suck: Seeking a service specification shift
“Our providers say they’re meeting our contracted service level agreement (SLA), but our customers say the performance isn’t there. Something doesn’t add up.” What are inflight connectivity SLAs measuring, and can they be used to hold suppliers accountable? Or should they be dispensed with completely?
Could Allegiant deliver an interline win?
Allegiant typically operates any given route only on limited days of the week. For travelers looking to book a longer or shorter trip, the company loses out on that potential ticket sale. And, more importantly to the business model, it loses out on the associated hotel, rental car, and other ancillary bookings.
Next Gen JetWave antenna boasts boosted BizAv performance
Honeywell plans to offer a new version of its JetWave terminal solution for the business aviation market. Developed to connect on Inmarsat’s JetConneX Ka-band network, the updated terminal expects to deliver improved performance with an eye towards the next generation of satellites in orbit.
Starlink/JSX STC slips
The first plane is fitted and flying. The new SpaceX Starlink inflight connectivity system on JSX works, and the companies are excited to deploy it fleet wide. Alas, it does not appear they will meet the target timeline of having the system fully installed before the end of the year. The necessary Supplemental Type Certification (STC) remains pending with the authorities.
Gogo sees record revenue, saves on 5G lawsuit costs
Gogo’s legal victory at the end of September allows the company to continue selling its new Gogo 5G network, even as SmartSky believes it will succeed with an appeal to have the injunction reinstated. The ruling also saved the company a few million dollars.
Alaska Airlines adds loyalty to flight pass subscription pitch
Alaska Airlines is adding a touch of loyalty to its flight subscription program. In addition to adding Salt Lake City as an eligible market, the carrier will now give some subscribers MVP or MVP Plus status for enrolling in the program.
Pairing, casting and streaming: The next generation of inflight entertainment emerges
The next generation of IFE is coming, and it will feature at-home entertainment concepts, including pairing and casting from personal devices, as well as streaming content from online providers. And, quite likely, a new generation of suppliers will also participate in the developments.
Mexico considers foreign airlines for cabotage operations
Mexico’s President want to see more competition in the domestic air travel market. López Obrador proposes to allow foreign airlines to operate within the country – service known as cabotage – competing against the local incumbents. But will any show up??
Iberia pivots to revenue-based loyalty; British Airways to follow
Iberia will shift to a revenue-based earning scheme for its loyalty program at the end of November. British Airways will soon follow.