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.
E195-E2
Helvetic takes delivery of first E195-E2
Swiss regional carrier Helvetic Airways took delivery of its first E195-E2 today at Embraer’s facility in Sao Jose dos Campos, Brazil. Three more E195-E2 deliveries are planned by the end of July 2021.
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.
KLM launches short-haul in-flight connectivity with Viasat
KLM’s short-haul WiFi service went live this week, just under six months after the carrier announced plans to update the fleet. The first two aircraft with the Viasat Ka-band satellite connectivity officially activated for passengers, with a free week before the regular, three-tier pricing plans kick in.
KLM takes first E195-E2
KLM’s brand new E195-E2 contains an updated interior that should keep passengers comfortable on board, though questions remain about the full suite of amenities to be offered.
Air Peace’s staggeringly cool new E195-E2 business class seat
A small airline based in Nigeria that you’ve probably never heard of now has one of the best business class seats flying on a regional jet. The new Air Peace E195-E2 features the staggered design bespoke for the aircraft, designed in partnership with Priestmangoode.
KLM selects Recaro SL3710, BL3710 for short-haul fleet
The Recaro SL3710 economy class seat is ready to fly. KLM represents on only the launch customer for the new seat, but also the first time Recaro will fly on an Embraer jet. KLM selected it for installation on the 737-800, E190 and E195-E2.
Moxy: Where flexibility is key
The Airline Known As Moxy continues to take shape. Little by little details emerge and the concept shifts closer to its estimated departure time. And flexibility seems to be a key component of the plan for founder David Neeleman, mostly delivered in the A220 chosen as the backbone of the operation.
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.
Can Space Jet save the MRJ??
Can a rebranding and redesign of the Mitsubishi Regional Jet to “Space Jet” restore the type’s fortunes? The market could use a competitor to shake up Embraer’s monopoly, but uncertainty and further delays are not going to help the MRJ break into the market.