Massive expansion costs are set to give way to recurring revenue growth. That is the message Viasat delivered as it issued is most recent earnings numbers this week. Even as the company pushes forward with the build-out of its new ViaSat-3 constellation with dramatically more bandwidth and geographic coverage, it hopes to convert the existing capacity into new deals and new subscribers, with a significant push into new inflight connectivity markets, among other areas.
American Airlines
Considering Gogo’s ATG-NG play
The on again, off again progress on an upgraded terrestrial network for inflight connectivity provider Gogo appear to be back in motion. In the company's most recent earnings call CEO Oakleigh Thorne indicated that the company is "particularly excited by some of the plans we’re developing for our next-gen network," though he stopped short of delivering too much in the way of additional details. Hardware supplier ZTE is out, thanks to questions about the long-term viability of growing the network with a Chinese vendor in the mix. But the program is very much alive, despite skepticism sown in Thorne's early days at the helm.
American, DFW to build a $3bn Terminal F
American Airlines had big plans for its hub in Dallas-Fort Worth International Airport (DFW). Today the airline and the airport announced a deal that will see a new Terminal F constructed with up to 24 gates available for the carrier. The work is expected to start immediately with entry into service by 2025. The project is expected to cost between 3-3.5 billion dollars.
Delta, United win big in Haneda slot allocation
Delta Air Lines and United Airlines came home the big winners in the most recent allocation of coveted route authorities at Tokyo’s Haneda International Airport. The pair combined for nine of the twelve available slots, with American Airlines and Hawaiian Airlines picking up the other three. The new flights should begin operation in Summer 2020.
PaxEx Premium: Three key Q1 numbers for Gogo
Inflight connectivity provider Gogo delivered a strong quarter in Q1 2019, topping analyst earnings estimates. The numbers also show a few areas that remain critical for long-term success and are not necessarily moving in the right direction as quickly as could be expected. The company's "growth engine" of global carriers in particular raises questions, some of which the company declined to answer, about where the improvements will really occur.
Delta moves towards free inflight wifi
Free inflight wifi is set to soar on Delta Air Lines starting next week. The carrier plans a two week trial of the complimentary on approximately 55 flights each day as it studies the cost and value of making the shift.
American Airlines reportedly expanding IFC relationship with Viasat
A lack of global Ka-band coverage won’t stop American Airlines from expanding its Viasat inflight connectivity relationship. The pair are reported to be deploying a Ku/Ka offering on upcoming 787 deliveries.
Is simulator time necessary for updated 737 MAX MCAS training?
The global aviation community has already seen one schism with respect to regulatory views on the 737 MAX. Is another brewing as training requirements are set for the type’s return to service??
MAX cuts stretching into peak Summer 2019 season
Even as Boeing suggests the testing for its updated 737 MAX software is progressing well its airline customers are scrubbing the type from their schedules. Southwest is the latest to make a move, planning to be without the type for months to come.
What bandwidth are you buying in the sky??
How many megabits are you getting in the sky? Run a speed test on board a wifi connected aircraft and you might see huge numbers. Alas, the truth is generally something very, very different.









