More than a year after committing to the platform SpiceJet rolled out its inflight entertainment offering today. The BYOD streaming solution, branded SpicEngage, offers, video content, games, reading options and more. Passengers access the system using their own mobile devices. The system, based on Lufthansa Systems’ BoardConnect platform is available fleet-wide, covering both 737 and Q400 aircraft.
ancillary fees
United bringing “Preferred” seating to economy class in Q4 2018
United Airlines passengers will soon have the option to pay more for assigned seats on board. These are not the Premium Plus premium economy nor the Economy Plus extra legroom seats. The “Preferred” seating section will sit behind those and be an option for selection starting in Q4 2018. This news was obliquely referenced in today’s announcement of the new United Corporate Preferred program at GBTA in San Diego.
SkyTeam grows a Digital Spine
How can global alliances increase their relevance to member airlines? Better data sharing is good but enabling ancillary sales on top of that is great. SkyTeam’s SkyLink Digital Spine delivers that new connectivity and sales opportunity.
A not-quite-Basic Economy across the Atlantic
Fares are going up across the Pond. All three major alliance JVs now offer some sort of Basic Economy for transatlantic travel. The Star Alliance A++ group launched its version this week, with sales starting 5 June 2018. No checked bag, no changes and no upgrades are the main limits, though there is more nuance in the details.
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.
Finding détente in the airline-GDS cost battle: Air France/KLM and Amadeus make peace, progress
Peace is possible between the airlines and GDS platforms! Air France/KLM and Amedeus agreed to waive distribution fees in some cases, benefiting passengers in the near term. But it is the longer term plans around NDC content distribution that hold real potential for an improved passenger experience.
Air Canada launches Basic Economy fares
Air Canada joins the ranks of Basic Economy airlines this week. The carrier now has five fare families for its economy class passengers and this rollout may be one of the most advanced we’ve seen to date.
ATPCO scores big with Routehappy acquisition
Getting beyond selling on price and schedule is a major hurdle for airlines. RouteHappy spent the past 7+ years developing the technology to bring comfort and service factors into the merchandising and shopping process. And now, thanks to the massive influence of ATPCO, these bits of data will be standardized across the industry. That’s a HUGE win for travelers.