New cabins on the horizon for economy and business class, short-haul and long; might travel get more comfortable rather than less? Plus some good news for travelers looking to get online in the sky or earn free travel with their points.
IFE
A look inside as the MC-21 aims to compete with Airbus, Boeing
The test aircraft are flying. The order book is growing. The Irkut MC-21-300 will compete with the Boeing 737 MAX and Airbus A320neo for airline customers in the next decade and beyond. And, for the first time ever, we now know what the cabin interior will look like.
LATAM focuses on sleep with new Premium Business refresh
Long-haul service on LATAM is refocusing on a better sleep experience as the company introduces a new Premium Business service concept and updated cabin configuration. Flat beds with direct aisle access replace a much more cramped layout on the carrier’s 777-300ER fleet while a new culinary concept and cabin crew protocols aim to provide more comfort and privacy to passengers on board.
A Hong Kong Surprise: PaxEx Update (16 August 2019)
A surprise twist in the Hong Kong protests as Cathay CEO Rupert Hogg resigns. Plus RFID for bags, VR for passengers and new aircraft types launching service soon. A busy week with plenty to uncover in this edition of PaxEx Update!
Virtual reality entertainment gets more funding, more inflight trials
Virtual reality as an inflight entertainment option continues to attract investors and airlines. Inflight VR and SkyLights made news this week on that front, with new cash and inflight trials secured.
Air Canada announces new A220 routes, unveils interior
Air Canada’s first A220 is working through the Airbus FAL in Mirabel as it nears delivery. The carrier released details on the interior design this week, as well as two new routes the type will launch next Spring.
United Airlines to update MAX order
United Airlines appears poised to adjust its 737 MAX order book, as well as change the way the aircraft interiors are fitted. Multiple internal documents reveal an updated plan that should have passengers happy on board.
Tariffs, 737 MAX, satellite crash hit Astronics earnings
How many different ways can one company get beat up in the inflight entertainment and connectivity market? Astronics faces headwinds in its Aerospace market on three fronts. The 737 MAX grounding has costs on both new production and retrofit efforts, while the loss of Intelsat 29E grounded a connectivity program indefinitely. Add in tariffs related to China suppliers that the company is paying and the numbers are going to be rough in that segment for the foreseeable future.
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PaxEx Update: 2 August 2019
A new A321LR enters service for Aer Lingus, faster security screening for United and promises of faster infilght WiFi. Plus Hulu takes flight on Delta and more! Get all the details in this week’s PaxEx Update.
Delta brings Hulu original content to the skies
The latest inflight entertainment content partnership comes from Delta Air Lines and Hulu. The carrier will offer some Hulu original content beginning in August across its fleet of more than 700 aircraft with embedded IFE screens at the seat.