Selling inflight connectivity packages to passengers proves to be a poor business proposition. Prices are high, take rates are low and the economics rarely deliver a return to justify the investment. But AirAsia has another plan in mind, one that could deliver a profitable version of inflight connectivity on a LCC airline.
IFE
TSI Aviation Seats gains access to Airbus BFE catalog
Airlines purchasing the A350, A330/neo and A320/neo family aircraft now have a new option for a seating supplier. TSI Aviation Seats, a joint operation led by Turkish Technic, is now listed in the BFE catalog opening up new sales channels for the operation.
IFE out as Hong Kong Airlines continues its finances collapse
For Hong Kong Airlines the future is very, very uncertain. Cuts continue it is unlikely they will be enough to keep the carrier afloat too much longer barring a significant cash infusion and restructuring of the business. This week it is the inflight entertainment system that disappeared.
Avatar’s incredible, hypocritical plan to fly 747s across the USA
No, you’re not going to see a new 747-based airline crisscrossing the USA anytime soon. The Avatar Airlines dream is not new. And, despite a recent FAA application, it likely will not take flight. But it makes for some entertaining reading.
AirFi moving forward with Atlantic Airways’ connected deployment
The AirFi LEO product could (finally) be online soon. Work with launch customer Atlantic Airways is back on track after an early setback.
PaxEx Update: FTE Asia edition
AirAsia is (still) making big moves in the ASEAN region and digital bag tags are evolving to a level that might be useful soon. Plus some news on IFE/C going active and getting profitable. The 2019 Future Travel Experience Asia was a great show and these are just a few of the highlights.
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.
JetBlue boosts inflight entertainment content with new partners
Putting big, bright new HD screens in the seatback is good for passengers. Dramatically increasing the content on those screens is even better. JetBlue passengers should be very happy now based on new partnerships announced this week with Showtime, Spotify, INSCAPE, and PressReader.
LiFi takes flight with Air France, Latécoère
Move over WiFi; LiFi is now flying. Delivering on a promise made during the Paris Air Show Air France and hardware supplier Latécoère operated the LiFi (Light Fidelity) system on board a commercial flight this week, bringing a new means for high speed data transmission into service.
United Airlines’ 50-seat RJ refresh will not include IFE/C…Yet!
With the United Express ERJ-145 slated for a full interiors refresh starting in early 2020 is now time for entertainment and wifi to also take flight on the company’s smallest jets? It seems likely, even if that bit was not supposed to be public just yet.