Alaska Airlines took delivery of its first 737 MAX 8 this week, adding additional range and flexibility to its fleet. In an unusual twist, the interior of the new plane is not what the carrier expects to fly longer term.
IFEC
Icelandair selects Astrova for A321LR entertainment
Icelandair will install the Astrova inflight entertainment system from Panasonic Avionics (PAC) on its upcoming A321LR fleet. The kit will provide in-seat entertainment from nose-to-tail, as well as several additional services from PAC for content and advertising management.
Lufthansa Group flexes with A220, MAX orders
The Lufthansa Group plans to add the 737 MAX 8 to its fleet before the end of the decade. It will also expand its A220-300 operations and added A320neo options.
SD’s Plane Simple Ka-band terminal passes DO-160 milestone
After more than 400 hours of flight testing the Plane Simple Ka-band terminal from Satcom Direct secured DO-160 approval, moving it closer to commercial availability of the in-flight connectivity hardware early in 2024.
Air New Zealand to trial Starlink on domestic fleet
Air New Zealand will trial SpaceX’s Starlink inflight internet service on its domestic fleet. The carrier plans to install the system on an ATR turboprop and an A320 in late 2024 as part of the program.
Burrana’s RISE USB power joins Airbus BFE catalog
Burrana’s RISE in-seat USB power solution is now part of the Airbus line-fit catalog for the A320neo family of aircraft.
American taps Intelsat for high speed Wi-Fi on regional fleet
American Airlines will upgrade the inflight internet on its regional jet fleet over the next two years. The carrier selected Intelsat to provide high-speed satellite-based service to just under 500 of the smaller jets.
Alaska Airlines welcomes complexity with Hawaiian Airlines acquisition
Alaska Airlines will buy Hawaiian Airlines for $1.9 billion in a cash transaction. Unlike most other mergers, however, the company plans to embrace the complexity of multiple product offerings as it intends to keep both the Hawaiian and Alaska brands in service.
Cyprus Airways selects AirFi for IFE, inflight sales
Cyprus Airways plans to boost its inflight experience, adding a streaming entertainment platform on board its A220 and A320 fleet, thanks to the AirFi wireless IFE solution.
Aerolineas Argentinas taps Intelsat for LEO/GEO inflight internet
ESAs are not just for regional jets. That is one of the key messages coming out of Argentina this week, as Intelsat and Aerolineas Argentinas team up to add inflight connectivity to part of the carrier’s fleet.