Airlines want to invest in emerging technologies. They want access to the startups and to foster those relationships. This is the message delivered around the world as investment funds, incubators and accelerators sprout up. Many of these programs claim success and continue to grow. For Qantas, however, the message is different. Its dedicated venture group dissolved in recent weeks and the accelerator shuttered.
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PaxEx Premium: Fiji Airways gets connected
Fiji Airways is just weeks away from delivery of the carrier's first Boeing 737 MAX aircraft. With that delivery the airline joins the ranks of carriers delivering wifi connectivity in the sky. The aircraft carries the necessary hardware for inflight connectivity on board. Official details on the vendor remain unclear but we have a pretty good idea what's under the hump.
A few firsts on Juneyao’s premier Dreamliner
Adding a new type to an airline’s fleet is interesting in its own right. China’s Juneyao Airlines added the 787-9 Dreamliner last week and it is more significant than most similar expansions, both for passengers and China’s aviation industry growth.
WestJet Dreams of Europe: Initial 787-9 routes announced
London, Paris and Dublin are the first destinations for WestJet’s new 787-9 Dreamliner aircraft. The aircraft will be based in the carrier’s Calgary hub and offer streamlined connecting opportunities for passengers headed to Europe as the carrier adjusts its connection banks to benefit the Transatlantic routes.
Boeing and Embraer: More than just a CSeries play
Boeing and Embraer inched closer to a tie-up in their commercial aircraft efforts this morning. The pair announced a Memorandum of Understanding that will allow them to pursue a joint venture for the Brazilian manufacturer’s 70-100 seat single-aisle jets, assuming the deal is consummated and meets regulatory hurdles. The new partnership will be 80% owned […]
Rolls Royce faces additional Trent 1000 engine issues
The bad news continues to spread for Rolls Royce and its Trent 1000. An additional 160+ engines are now subject to new inspections while airlines and passengers should expect growing disruptions as a result.
[EBACE18] Technik’s home-grown TIOS+ triband radome set to fly on a 737 MAX BBJ
One lucky 737 MAX 8 BBJ customer will soon be flying with the newest triband connectivity radome available in the business aviation market. The sleek tailmount kit is the latest from Technik’s in-house innovation team, part of a transition the company is making towards developing more cool systems rather than just installing those designed by other companies.
United Airlines’ new "Aspire" economy class seat takes flight
It was a busy week for United Airlines where the biggest news may have been lost in the shuffle. It isn’t as sexy as lie-flat seating but the new Aspire economy class seats now flying deliver some real improvements for passengers. And one significant drawback, too.
S7 seeks smaller Sukhoi SuperJet
A new, smaller SuperJet is in the works from Russian manufacturer Sukhoi. The move helps Russian airline S7 expand its fleet of home-grown aircraft but could also contribute to an interesting competitive framework to the Airbus/Boeing duopoly.
Handling the 787 Trent challenges
The Rolls Royce Trent 1000 Package C engines power nearly a quarter of the global Boeing 787 Dreamliner fleet. And they all need extra inspections. Here’s how a few airlines are dealing with the disruptions to their operations.