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.
IFE
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.
What to expect on board as United’s new CRJ550 takes flight
Removing nearly 30% of the seats from an aircraft is guaranteed to make the remaining product a more comfortable experience. Still, until United Airlines opened up its new CRJ550 to passengers over the weekend it was not clear just how much better the on board passenger experience would be. This plane is a big win, and not just for first class passengers.
Live from the CRJ550: PaxEx Update 25 Oct 2019
United’s newest aircraft type takes flight this week and the CRJ550 interior really is as special as the company has been hyping. Airbus orders and Boeing delays plus some fancy new wifi and upgraded airports on the horizon. Another busy PaxEx week.
Viasat, Gulfstream announce STC for inflight wifi on G280
The super-midsize Gulfstream G280 business jet is now certified to carry Viasat’s inflight Ka-band connectivity solution. The two companies announced the receipt of FAA Supplemental Type Certification (STC) for the installation at the NBAA conference in Las Vegas this week.
Gogo secures AVANCE L5 certification for Embraer Phenom 300 Business Jets
The most delivered light business jet for the past seven years has a new option for inflight wifi connectivity. Embraer and Gogo announced approval from the FAA for a Supplemental Type Certification (STC) allowing the installation of the AVANCE L5 solution as a retrofit option. With more than 500 aircraft delivered over the past decade this represents a strong opportunity for the vendor to secure additional subscribers in its business aviation segment.
Sunrise Stretch: PaxEx Update 2019-10-18
The beginnings of Project Sunrise and extra leg room for the Kiwis. Plus more wifi (maybe) coming in China and another loyalty top tier moves further away.
Get these stories and more in this week’s PaxEx Update.
AirGo, Royal Air Maroc launch streaming IFE trial
Royal Air Maroc will bring inflight entertainment to its smallest aircraft this month. The company will trial a streaming solution from AirGo.Aero on one of its Embraer E190 planes. This also represents the first installation for AirGo, bringing another streaming IFE vendor into what is already a crowded market.
Counting Challenges: PaxEx Update 11 October 2019
How much is too much for the 737 program in a single week? And is there an end in sight for the shifting of loyalty programs away from loyalty? Plus, inflight wifi and a premium play for mid-haul travel.
Get all the details on this week’s top PaxEx stories inside.