It was on the balance, a pretty darn good flight. And yet I sill walked off the Azul jet in Brasilia a bit disappointed.
Brazil
Azul adds long-haul Wi-Fi with expanded Viasat partnership
Azul is stretching its in-flight Wi-Fi program to long-haul operations. The carrier expanded its partnership with Viasat to add service on its A330neo planes from 2025.
TIM, Intelsat team up for free 2Ku inflight internet in Brazil
Subscribers on Brazil’s largest mobile phone company network now can access inflight internet for free. TIM Black and TIM Black Família customers can now browse, message, and more on domestic and international flights operated by GOL and LATAM, thanks to a partnership with Intelsat.
American buys into GOL, plans loyalty, codeshare boost
American Airlines will invest $200 million for a 5.2% stake in Brazil’s GOL as part of an expanded commercial partnership. The deal will see the two tie more closely in each other’s primary market, and significantly boost their loyalty program integration as well.
Azul CEO talks free WiFi, sees long-term customer value
How can an airline justify a massive, expensive project coming off the absolute worst year the aviation industry ever experienced? For Azul CEO John Rodgerson, the answer was easy. “The way I look at it is when we invite somebody on board the aircraft we want them to feel as if they’re at home.” And today that at-home experience means access to fast, free, internet connectivity.
Azul goes live with free WiFi on board, powered by Viasat
More than a dozen Azul aircraft now offer free in-flight wifi service on board, with plans to surpass 100 fitted planes in the months ahead.
LATAM scraps A350 fleet
LATAM never could really figure out what to do with its fleet of A350s. And now the fleet is no more. The company plans to remove the A350 from its Brazilian operations effective immediately.
American Airlines signs GOL as codeshare partner in South America, expands Miami service
American Airlines and Brazil’s GOL will establish a reciprocal codeshare agreement and frequent flyer program partnership. The deal is expected to open 20 additional South American destinations to the AA network and deliver more that 30 US destinations to the GOL route map. As part of the move American also announced a dozen new flights at its Miami hub, the primary gateway to Latin America.
Azul plans inflight connectivity with Viasat deal
Brazil’s Azul will add inflight wifi connectivity to its fleet going forward. Viasat was selected as the network integrator for the Ka-band satellite service.
IAG snaps up Air Europa to boost Latin American operations
Consolidation continues in the global aviation market, this time delivering a shift in transatlantic services. International Airline Group announced this morning its intentions to buy Air Europa. The Spanish carrier will become part of the Iberia operation within IAG though remain an independent brand, at least to start. The deal is valued at 1 billion euro and full integration is expected by 2025.