Connect Airlines has been quiet of late, but that does not mean the company has not been busy. As it continues to work with the FAA towards certification of its operations, the company also scored new funding, adjusted its organizational structure, and expects that a major US airline will buy in to the plan.
certification
AirBaltic picks Starlink for inflight internet
Inflight WiFi is coming to airBaltic. The carrier will fit its fleet of A220-300 aircraft with the SpaceX Starlink system, providing complimentary internet services in the sky.
WestJet adds MAX 10 to fleet plan
WestJet plans to add 42 737 MAX 10 aircraft to its fleet, continuing its growth plans. The order also comes with 22 options.
No MAX 7s for Southwest this year
At the beginning of 2022 Southwest Airlines anticipated taking delivery of more than 70 new Boeing 737 MAX 7 aircraft through the year. Seven months into the year, with FAA certification timing still unclear, the carrier revised that number to zero.
Delta confirms 737 MAX 10 order
Delta Air Lines confirmed an order for 100 new Boeing 737 MAX 10 jets this morning, the first big order announced at the 2022 Farnborough International Airshow. Assuming the plane is really built.
MAX 10 on the ropes: What’s an airline (or congresscritter) to do?
Boeing currently holds orders for more than 700 737 MAX 10 aircraft across 20 airlines*. It is the second most ordered variant of the MAX family. And if the company is forced to upgrade the flight deck to meet new safety certification requirements those could all be at risk.
A321XLR slips as Airbus prepares output boost
The A321XLR should make its first flight by the end of next month, kicking off the certification process. But Airbus now expects certification to take a bit longer than previously planned.
Viasat secures installation approval in China
Viasat took another major step forward in its efforts to deliver in-flight Wi-Fi service over China. The CAAC now will permit installations on A320 family aircraft thanks to a newly issued certification.
Eastern comes up short in ETOPS certification try
Eastern Airlines will not be flying its fleet over open water any time soon. The copmany’s efforts to gain ETOPS certification came up short during an FAA flight proving run.
How sideways can you sit?
When it comes to flying, seats generally face forward. There are a few that face backward, typically reserved for premium cabins,. And then there are the sideways seats. Including one that might soon fly even more sideways than before.