What’s the experience like on Flair’s new 737 MAX? Just fine, once you get to that point, though also a bit less than expected.
IFE
PaxEx Premium: A missing asterisk
Celebrating a new product deployment is always a laudable goal. But sometimes it is important to acknowledge that new doesn’t always mean completely new.
British Airways extends maintenance on A380 fleet, but…
The British Airways A380 fleet should be in tip-top shape for flying through at least 2027. The carrier signed a contract extension with Lufthansa Technik (LHT) that calls for the planes to be maintained at LHT’s Manila base. But current conditions suggest not all the planes will return to service.
China Eastern launches local live TV on board with Panasonic Avionics
Live television in flight is coming to China. Panasonic Avionics will deliver multiple channels of live TV service to China Eastern as the launch customer of its expanded channel selection, adding multiple Chinese broadcasters to its portfolio.
Royal Jordanian updates, expands BlueBox IFE offering
The in-flight entertainment on Royal Jordanian just got a bit better. The Jordanian national carrier expanded its “SkyConnect” wireless IFE service to the Embraer E175 and E195 family aircraft. The solution is powered by the Bluebox Wow portable IFE platform.
AirFi adds Vietnam distribution partner
When it comes to delivering an in-flight entertainment and retail solutions, local knowledge and support can go a long way. For segment leader AirFi this takes the form of strategic partnerships with established businesses, improving access to airlines around the globe. Next up on the company’s plans: Vietnam.v
FlightPath3D hits another installation milestone
What does an industry recovery look like? Airlines investing in the on-board product is a strong indicator, and FlightPath3D’s record so far in 2021 suggests things are getting better in a hurry. The company announced an additional 500 aircraft fitted with its moving maps solution in the first half of 2021.
Bluebox, Aerospace Engineering secure certification for plug-in model
The Bluebox Wow streaming IFE solution is now available as a plug-in model. The company announced certification from EASA this week, allowing the updated option to be installed on A320 aircraft.
American Airlines won’t bring back IFE screens
In-seat screens are not coming back to American Airlines’ single-aisle fleet. The company doubled down on its decision to focus on streaming entertainment on board in the wake of United Airlines’ about face on the issue, citing technical and ecological reasons.
Cathay Pacific A321neo brings many firsts to market
With its inaugural flight A321neo to Shanghai-Pudong on 4 August, Cathay Pacific will break through a number of milestones, particularly around in-flight entertainment and connectivity services.