United Airlines is bringing back its mini-hub at Hong Kong, with flights to Bangkok and Ho Chi Minh City as part of a Pacific boost at the end of 2025.
Australia
Qantas extending free Wi-Fi to international fleet from late 2024
More than a decade after its first attempt, Qantas will bring inflight internet to its long-haul fleet. And it’ll be free for everyone on board.
United (finally) launches San Francisco-Manila service
United Airlines has wanted to fly nonstop to Manila from the mainland for years. Starting this winter, the carrier will finally do so. As part of an expansion of its Pacific operations, United will add service from San Francisco beginning 29 October 2023.
United plans major growth for Australia, New Zealand
United Airlines will dramatically boost capacity to Australia and New Zealand later this year, aiming to take advantage of a rebound in international travel and strengthening partnerships along the way.
Inmarsat suffers L-band outage over Asia-Pacific region
Thousands of miles from shore the most reliable communications link typically comes over satellite. That came to an abrupt end over the Pacific this week as one of Inmarsat’s satellites went offline.
Star Alliance, HSBC launch an Australian credit card
The new Star Alliance credit card, first teased in May of this year, is now live in Australia. Launched in partnership with HSBC, the first of its kind co-brand credit card allows members to earn Star Alliance Points and elite status with seven partner airline loyalty programs.
United snags Virgin Australia as a partner, displacing Delta
Virgin Australia and United Airlines secured a new partnership for connections between the United States and Australia. The deal, effective from April 2022, sees Delta Air Lines drop from the role it held over the past decade.
SkyFive, Pivotel plane air-to-ground connectivity trial in Australia
Air-to-ground connectivity is coming to Australia. ATG infrastructure specialist SkyFive announced a Memorandum of Understanding (MOU) with Australia’s Pivotel to undertake a detailed technical evaluation and proof-of-concept trial for the solution across a large swath of the country between Dabbo and Sydney.
Rex activates WiFi on 737s
Australia’s Rex Airlines is now online in the sky. The carrier officially activated the 2Ku satellite internet offering from Intelsat on its fleet of 737-800s. And, to help acquaint passengers with the service, WiFi is free on board for the rest of November.
Virgin Australia to ditch twin-aisle fleet, focus on domestic and regional service
As part of its recapitalization plan Virgin Australia intends to retire its long-haul aircraft. The carrier’s five 777s and six A330s will be removed from service as it invests “in the core Virgin Australia domestic and short-haul international operation.”