After years and years of promises it appears that electronic steered phased array antennae are (finally) ready to break into the commercial and biz jet aviation markets. Multiple vendors are now touting partnerships that will delver aero-certified hardware in the next few years. Is it really finally happening??
AIX18
Innovation rises again for Global Eagle
Global Eagle is “back in the rapid innovation game.” That was the message delivered last month at Aircraft Interiors Expo (AIX) 2018 in Hamburg, Germany. And some of the IFE developments definitely fit that mold.
Are UON? New entrants launch inflight connectivity options
Commercial success in the inflight connectivity business is anything but easy. That isn't stopping newcomers from trying. Saudi Arabia's Taqnia Space group launched the UON offering earlier this month and it has potential. But like other offerings in the market there are questions about how well it can scale up to meet demand (both bandwidth and profits).
Gogo management shakeup, part 2
Following the unexpected transition to a new CEO further management shakeup is hardly unexpected. Gogo took that step this week, announcing three new senior leadership positions in the company.
Return of the Skyrider: the saddle seat returns
The Skyrider is back. After disappearing for a couple years the infamous saddle seat returned at AIX 2018, brighter than ever. And just as unlikely to ever be on your airplane.
Qantas to "flex" A380 cabin
Can Qantas squeeze a dozen(ish) more seats in its A380s without hurting the passenger experience? The Airbus A380 Cabin-Flex program aims to deliver precisely that, with retrofits starting in mid-2019. Here’s how it will work…
Bunk beds on board: The new plan to make economy class travel comfortable
Passenger want long flights in economy class to be more comfortable. Airlines want more money from passengers. Surely a bunk beds option meets that need. And it probably will eventually. Just not this version, at least not yet. And probably not for the reasons you’re thinking.
Google’s "inflight wifi play" brings questions, not answers
Is Google poised to launch an inflight internet service? The company is rumored to be looking at a Nokia division to pick up the necessary hardware for such. Scratch beneath the surface, however, and more viable use cases emerge.