Virgin Atlantic will join the SKyTeam alliance in early 2023, boosting the group’s presence in the UK. Virgin Atlantic will become SkyTeam’s first and only UK member airline, offering long-haul flights from Heathrow, Manchester and Edinburgh.
United, T-Mobile activate complimentary WiFi on board
United Airlines is, once again, a partner in the T-Mobile inflight wifi program. The expanded relationship, first tipped two weeks ago, takes effect today. T-Mobile subscribers on eligible plans will receive access to the streaming level connectivity service on select domestic and short-haul international United flights.
SkyFive, Safran Passenger Innovations push forward on connectivity in China
High speed inflight connectivity over China took another step forward earlier this month, as Safran Passenger Innovations (SPI) and SkyFive announced a partnership to integrate their services for airlines. The SkyFive air-to-ground networking hardware will connect to SPI’s RAVE on-board platform, with promises of incredibly high speed, low latency service to passengers.
MOST launches new mobile retailing platform
MOST, a new provider of intuitive and customized retail and payment solutions, is looking to shake up the mobility sector. The company launched a suite of payment solutions that support retail platforms, helping businesses capture more revenue in an increasingly cashless economy, including airline cabins.
Rapid Rewards targets elites with A-List bonus activity
Call it another sign that travel habits shifted over the past couple years. Southwest Airlines has run, in quick succession, a pair of promotions seeking to boost its Rapid Rewards loyalty program with elite status for 2023 now easier to come by. The moves come despite a general return of travel and strong revenue numbers in recent months.
Wizz Air expands fflya functionality with live credit card processing
Realtime credit card processing is now available on the fflya platform, extending the capabilities of the Bluetooth-based inflight connectivity solution. The service was demonstrated on a Wizz Air A321 as part of the ongoing deployment trial with that carrier.
American launches Flagship Suites, retires Flagship First
Flagship First Class is dead. Long live the Flagship Suite. American Airlines will introduce a new Flagship Suite seat to its long haul fleet from 2024. With that move, the carrier’s Flagship First class cabin will be no more.
Viasat, Inmarsat receive UK security approval for merger
Viasat and Inmarsat received approval for their proposed combination from the UK Government under the National Security & Investment Act. The Secretary of State for Business, Energy and Industrial Strategy (BEIS) has announced that the transaction does not pose a risk to the UK’s national security. It also confirms that the new entity will continue […]
JetBlue shifts some Boston-London flights to A321neo
Three weeks ago JetBlue confirmed that some of its flights between New York City and London would be operated on the A321neo owing to delays in delivery of new A321LR aircraft. Those troubles continue to grow, with the Boston-London routes now impacted.
Dining upgrades on the horizon for Delta’s Premium Select and Main Cabin passengers
More meal options are slowly coming back on Delta Air Lines. Progress is slow, as the carrier works to ensure supply chain stability and downline kitchen availability. But Premium Select and Main Cabin passengers should start to see some improvements as soon as next week.