Getting flat beds in business class on United’s upcoming A321XLR fleet would seem to be table stakes for a new aircraft configuration today. That it will be a new product, however, is very interesting. So, too, is what that means vis a vis spacing on board for premium economy and economy class seating.
ancillary
Baltimore, Boston picked for PLAY’s US debut
Travelers from Baltimore and Boston now have a new option to Europe. Iceland’s PLAY intends to launch both markets in Spring 2022, connecting the US to Europe via its hub at Keflavik.
AERQ continues to build out partner ecosystem for AERENA IFE platform
When its new AERENA in-flight entertainment solution launched, AERQ made clear that it would depend on partners for much of the heavy lifting in delivering a fully functional platform. Four additional companies now join that family of offerings.
AERQ launches AERENA, promises airlines IFE revenue boost
Is it an in-flight entertainment system or an advertising and retail shopping platform? For the team at AERQ, the new AERENA platform very much appears to be both.
An easyJet(ish) lounge opens at Gatwick
Looking to lounge before your next easyJet departure from Gatwick? The airline now has an option for that. Or at least for a lounge with its branding.
Does an airline owe refunds for broken in-flight wifi?
Does an airline owe passengers a refund if their in-flight wifi doesn’t deliver? Currently that answer is murky. And at least one connectivity provider objects to language used in US Department of Transportation efforts to enact some consumer protection rules around their services.
Inmarsat OneFi aims to better monetize WiFi for airlines
Can an updated wifi portal deliver significant changes in the in-flight passenger connectivity experience? Inmarsat hopes so, as the company launches OneFi, a “customer experience platform” to help improve monetization of the services as well as deliver more options to passengers.
Swiss trials discount for leftover in-flight food
What should airlines do with all the fresh food left over at the end of the day? Generally speaking, it just goes into a trash bin. Swiss hopes to see the food go a bit further – and drive a bit of revenue – with its new “Too Good To Go” program trials.
Flat-rate connectivity bundles launch from Panasonic Avionics
In-flight connectivity packages measured by the megabyte generally suck for consumers. Uncertainty over consumption rates and costs make for a worse passenger experience. Panasonic Avionics now wants to help address that issue, but more for the airlines than passengers.
Flying on Flair: A Canadian ULCC Adventure
What’s the experience like on Flair’s new 737 MAX? Just fine, once you get to that point, though also a bit less than expected.