United Airlines is making a massive change in its inflight internet offering, finally confirming long-rumored plans to deploy the Starlink solution from SpaceX across its global fleet.
Air New Zealand
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.
Finalists for 2023 Crystal Cabin Awards represent the future of passenger comfort
What does it take to bring comfort to the skies as air travel rebounds? The 21 finalists for the 2023 Crystal Cabin Awards offer insight into what it will take to to make air travel more safe, connected and comfortable.
United plans major growth for Australia, New Zealand
United Airlines will dramatically boost capacity to Australia and New Zealand later this year, aiming to take advantage of a rebound in international travel and strengthening partnerships along the way.
Star Alliance, HSBC launch an Australian credit card
The new Star Alliance credit card, first teased in May of this year, is now live in Australia. Launched in partnership with HSBC, the first of its kind co-brand credit card allows members to earn Star Alliance Points and elite status with seven partner airline loyalty programs.
Qantas returns to New York City, via Auckland
Qantas is poised to return to New York City from mid-2023. But rather than connecting in Los Angeles, as was scheduled prior to the COVID-19 outbreak, passengers will now connect in Auckland before the 16 hour trip to JFK.
Additional details, images for Air New Zealand’s new Business Premier Luxe, SkyNest seats
After five years of design and development work, the new Air New Zealand business class cabin is expected to formally launch this week. This includes the new Business Premier Luxe offering in the bulkhead row, and SkyNest sleeping bunks for economy class passengers
Air New Zealand to launch Business Premier Luxe on reconfigured 787s
Look for a new business class seat flying on Air New Zealand in the months ahead. It includes an option dubbed “Business Premier Luxe” at the front of the business class cabin.
Air-to-ground networking coming in New Zealand
New Zealand could be the next country to bring a dedicated air-to-ground (ATG) in-flight connectivity network online. Engineering work is almost complete to develop a trial site for the SkyFive ATG platform in the country.
Cutting connections: Reviewing the connected aircraft retirements
Hundreds of aircraft rapidly retired from service. Hundreds more shifted into limbo, unclear of when they might fly again. The news no longer surprises, though some of the retirements bring about a sense of loss. For inflight connectivity vendors the impact is more than a sense of loss, however, as it maps to real revenue shortfalls with the aircraft removed from service.