Airlines now have another option for delivering inflight entertainment to passengers. AERQ, a joint venture of LG and Lufthansa Technik, is bringing its new cabin digitalization platform to market and already has at least one airline signed up as a customer.
Airbus
MEA takes first A321neo, brings Panasonic Avionics WiFi on board
With delivery of its first A321neo last week Middle East Airlines (MEA) launches a new generation of inflight services. The carrier’s nine A321neo aircraft include personal seat-back entertainment screens and will be the airline’s first ever to offer inflight wifi connectivity on board. Panasonic Avionics was selected to provide these services.
OneWeb secures funding from Bharti, UK Gov’t
The UK government and Indian telecom giant Bharti Global Limited won the assets of aspiring satellite operator OneWeb in a bankruptcy auction. Each party will invest $500 million in the company as part of the recapitalization plan. Subject to further government and regulatory approvals and funding, OneWeb will resume manufacture, launch and operation of its satellite constellation.
This plane can taxi, take off and land all on its own
Most conversations about autonomous aircraft focus on smaller planes. But Airbus decided to go large when it comes to taxi, take off, and landing automation. Very large. The aircraft manufacturer announced this week the successful conclusion of its Autonomous Taxi, Take-Off and Landing (ATTOL) project using the A350-1000 XWB aircraft.
British Airways continues to diversify its inflight connectivity portfolio
British Airways’ newest long-haul planes will not be fitted with the Gogo 2Ku solution. Instead, the company will diversify its vendor portfolio, though passengers shouldn’t notice the difference.
Emirates puts Premium Economy on hold
Travelers have been waiting for years to see a new premium economy cabin arrive at Emirates. And, unfortunately, it appears the wait will stretch a bit longer. The carrier is reported to be delaying the retrofit of its existing aircraft, keeping the new cabin out of reach for passengers.
Airbus aims to ease "COVID Combi" temporary freighter conversions
How quickly can an airline convert a passenger plane to freighter service? Airbus hope to ease the process for the A330 and A350 with a new Service Bulletin modification.
Airbus, Rolls-Royce halt development on E-Fan X electric aircraft
The initial goal was a hybrid-electric aircraft demonstrator embarking on its first flight in 2021. The new reality is that the E-Fan X project has been scrapped. Rolls-Royce and Airbus pulled the plug on the joint development effort late last week.
JetBlue removes 40% of capacity, delays new deliveries as demand drops
JetBlue joins the collection of US carriers slashing its schedule in response to a drop in demand. The carrier now intends to reduce fly by 40% in April and May, with an expectation of “substantial” cuts in June and July as well.
AirAsia’s Tony Fernandes, Din Meranun caught up in Airbus bribery scandal
Last week’s news that Airbus will pay nearly $4 billion in penalties associated with a long-running bribery investigation was huge. This week AirAsia CEO Tony Fernandes and Chairman Din Meranun find themselves caught up in the scandal as well.