No, you’re not going to see a new 747-based airline crisscrossing the USA anytime soon. The Avatar Airlines dream is not new. And, despite a recent FAA application, it likely will not take flight. But it makes for some entertaining reading.
ancillary
A new player in the race for inflight WiFi over India
The race to bring the first aircraft online in India took an interesting turn in recent weeks. While SpiceJet has talked about its plans to add the GX Aviation system from Inmarsat to its new 737 MAX aircraft other players have been less public about their efforts. But installations are underway to deliver a fleet-wide solution, potentially within a year.
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PaxEx Update: FTE Asia edition
AirAsia is (still) making big moves in the ASEAN region and digital bag tags are evolving to a level that might be useful soon. Plus some news on IFE/C going active and getting profitable. The 2019 Future Travel Experience Asia was a great show and these are just a few of the highlights.
Introducing Blue Basic: JetBlue’s new, most limited fare option
JetBlue’s Blue Basic fare is now for real. The basic economy offering limits flexibility, effectively introducing a fare hike. And the overall reshuffling of fare families brings a couple surprising adjustments to the company’s offerings.
Austrian updates seat selection with 3DSeatViewVR
Passengers who can see what they’re buying are more likely to spend extra for more legroom and other seating improvements. That’s the theory Austrian Airlines is working with as the carrier announced the introduction of a 3D preview during the seat selection process. The new service is available today on the airline’s website for flights operated on its Boeing 777 fleet.
Live from the CRJ550: PaxEx Update 25 Oct 2019
United’s newest aircraft type takes flight this week and the CRJ550 interior really is as special as the company has been hyping. Airbus orders and Boeing delays plus some fancy new wifi and upgraded airports on the horizon. Another busy PaxEx week.
JetBlue launches a new – and maybe useful – carry-on bag fee trial
Since airlines started charging for checked bags the overhead bins are more crowded and passengers more stressed. A new (optional) fee from JetBlue related to carry-on bags may help solve the problem. Or at least mitigate it slightly.
American brings priority handling, NDC booking to corporate customers
How can an airline boost its corporate travel share? American Airlines trotted out a set of benefits this week that is comparable to some elite status or co-brand credit card perks, hoping to convert more potential customers into real elites with those CCs.
JetBlue eyes a more mature TrueBlue loyalty program
The co-brand revenue is great and JetBlue intends to continue expanding that stream. But the carrier also knows its TureBlue loyalty program needs a little more to become a mature offering for consumers. That should be good news for travelers, assuming the carrier can execute.
Record ancillary revenues won’t derail Basic Economy expansion at JetBlue
JetBlue realized $33 per passenger in ancillary revenue last quarter, an all-time record for the carrier. But the company is not resting on that accomplishment. Rather, JetBlue sees significant opportunities for further growth with more unbundling (and rebundling) of fares.