Thousands of miles from shore the most reliable communications link typically comes over satellite. That came to an abrupt end over the Pacific this week as one of Inmarsat’s satellites went offline.
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JetBlue sets launch date for new TrueBlue Mosaic program
JetBlue will officially transition to its new Mosaic elite status program next month. While TrueBlue program members have been earning under the new “Tiles” rules since the beginning of the year, the earning progress – and any partial status benefits – will finally go live on 10 May 2023.
Icelandair plans A321XLR shift for fleet renewal
The writing has been on the wall for years. Now it is also in the signed contracts. Icelandair will replace its 757 fleet with the A321XLR from 2029.
Hanwha sets stage for aero ESA trials later this year
Stop me if you’ve heard this one before: Phasor’s ESA technology will enter ground testing later this year, with hopes of getting airborne by Q1 2024. This time, however, it will be under the Hanwha brand name, as the company pushes forward with its commercial aero goals.
Delta retires streaming entertainment option
For years Delta Air Lines highlighted its on-board content library as a valuable part of the inflight entertainment offering. Turns out scant few passengers streamed anything on shorter flights, however, and now the carrier is shedding that cost.
Red Way launches with Lincoln, Nebraska hub
Lincoln, Nebraska is the proud home of the newest (almost) airline to launch in the United States. Red Way will launch service as a public charter operator, with service slated for liftoff in June 2023.
Finnair trims inflight services in cost-cutting push
Finnair’s “shortcut” connection between Europe and the far east via Helsinki is no longer compelling and it has scrambled to rebuild its operations given the new normal. That now includes cuts to the inflight catering, including a switch to buy-on-board for the second meal on two long-haul routes.
FAA admits staffing issues, asks airlines for help
The US Government spent plenty of time in recent months chiding airlines for scheduling flights they ultimately did not have the staff to operate. Now the FAA now admits that it, too, has staffing issues, and it needs help from the airlines.
CesiumAstro brings Ka-band ESA to life; Airbus trials planned
CesiumAstro has a lot of experience delivering phased array antenna solutions in space. Now it wants to bring that hardware a bit closer to earth. The company announced a new Ka-band electronically steered antenna (ESA) platform at Satellite 2023, including plans for the commercial aviation sector.
JetBlue secures Amsterdam slots, for now
JetBlue secured slots for flights to Amsterdam this summer, just five weeks after initiating a regulatory complaint against Dutch authorities. While the airline seems likely to launch the route, it is not yet willing to drop the complaint, owing to details around the type of slots it received.