Looking for the future of regional jet inflight connectivity? The seas off Puerto Rico this past month were a good place to start. That’s where Intelsat just spent four weeks testing the Stellar Blu ESA connected to LEO and GEO satellites.
E175
Alaska Airlines picks Intelsat for E175 streaming WiFi upgrade
Alaska Airlines will offer “streaming fast” Wi-Fi on its E175 fleet, beginning in 2024. The carrier plans to upgrade those aircraft, extending its longstanding partnership with Intelsat.
CommuteAir plans E175 fleet
CommuteAir is looking to size up its operations. The carrier, currently the exclusive E145 operator for United Airlines’ regional services, now wants to add the E175 family to its fleet.
Alaska Airlines to speed retirement of Q400, A320-family aircraft
Chester will fly on fewer aircraft types sooner than planned. Alaska Airlines’ accelerated fleet harmonization plan will drop the Q400 and Airbus A320 family aircraft from its operations by the end of next year.
Pilots furloughs put squeeze on US regional fleets
With US airlines now filing WARN notices for potential furloughs the potential to see that impact their regional partners is becoming more clear. Scope clauses in the pilot union contracts could have a significant impact come 1 October.
American Airlines adds 20 Embraer E175s with SkyWest
Chalk up another 20 E175s for the American Eagle fleet. These planes will be operated by SkyWest and join the fleet over the coming year-ish.
Does hourly service a shuttle make??
What does it take to claim a “Shuttle” service between two airports? Is it hourly service throughout the day? Is it more flexible fees and policies? Is it improved catering on board? For United Airlines and the new “shuttle-like” service between Newark and Washington’s Reagan National Airport (DCA) the answer might surprise you.
United plans more seats per departure with fleet renewal
United Airlines wants to get bigger. The carrier has plans to expand its fleet in the coming years but it also wants to get more seats in the sky per flight. And it wants to accomplish that without adding more seats to the existing aircraft. It is a somewhat complicated challenge, but if things go right United expects 3% more seats per departure on average a year from now.
Forget the names: Mitsubishi wants its new interior to win over customers
The new name – it is now officially the SpaceJet M90 – does not really matter for the future of the MRJ. But a new interior and revised scope-compliant model might just be enough to win over customers for the manufacturer.
Mitsubishi looks to Canada for its MRJ program
If you can’t join them, buy them. Mitsubishi appears poised to do just that as Bombardier seeks to offload its CRJ regional jet product line. At least it would solve the scope clause issues.