Supersonic is sexy as hell for marketing but it is also hard to accomplish. Powering the aircraft is proving to be one of the bigger challenges for Boom Supersonic as no current engine model meets the company’s needs. Can an existing “core” solve those problems? Company CEO Blake Scholl seems to think so, though he also appears dependent on getting new engines faster than Boeing can for its NMA. So that’s an interesting set of circumstances.
Boeing
Emirates drops some business class middles seats
Emirates is finally getting rid of its middle seats in business class. At least a few of them. On some planes. And also scrapping first class on that sub-fleet at the same time. So, is that really a win??
Icelandair joins the 737 MAX family; IFC missing to start
Icelandair is the latest carrier to join the 737 MAX family. The carrier took delivery of its first MAX8 today and will press it into service just a few weeks hence. That may hamstring the inflight connectivity experience for passengers, unfortunately.
Shifting gears: Gogo’s push to connect more passengers
What good is having an inflight wifi connectivity product if no one is using it? Gogo sits flush with satellite capacity and is pushing to increase take rates (and revenue) up dramatically on its platform.
Can Norwegian conquer London’s business travel market?
New planes, new inflight services and additional frequencies are all part of Norwegian’s plan to grow in London, seeking to siphon off the premium customers from British Airways, Virgin Atlantic and others. But the carrier faces an uphill battle. Can it succeed?
Airbus launches A321LR test flight program
The next generation of transatlantic aircraft took flight for the first time this morning. Airbus’ A321LR will soon be plying the skies between Europe and North America, filling a gap for single-aisle long(ish)-haul service.
Aeromexico brings diversity to 737 connectivity
Aeromexico's first 737 MAX rolled off the assembly line at Renton last week and all indications are that, unlike the company's 737-800s, it will not be flying with the Gogo 2Ku solution.
Lufthansa Technik brings more connectivity to the 737MAX
Lufthansa Technik will soon be installing more inflight connectivity. The 737MAX is the target this time, with stronglikelihood of the Inmarsat GX solution being delivered.
Boeing, Adient shake up the aircraft seats market
Boeing wants a bigger piece of the overall profits from the planes it sells. Getting into the seating business is the latest move on that front. A new joint venture with Adient brings the seating market in house, likely ruffling a few feathers along the way.
Korean’s new CS300 delivers CSeries PaxEx firsts
Korean Air Lines took home an early Christmas present today, with its first CSeries delivery from Bombardier. The carrier is the third to fly the CS300 and introduces a few new features on board to improve the passenger experience.









