United Airlines will grow its 737 MAX fleet significantly in the next three years. The company announced a deal to increase the order book with Boeing by 25, with delivery slated for 2023. Additional adjustments to the order book should see a total of 90 new MAX join the carrier’s fleet by the end of 2023.
IFEC
New Planes, Old Games
Passengers will soon have the opportunity to play some of the most recognized games in pop culture history on a flight. Panasonic Avionics Corporation announced an agreement with Bandai Namco to offer a number of gaming classics on its in-flight entertainment systems as part of a push to strengthen its IFE gaming portfolio.
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.
Qingdao moves forward with full-fleet connectivity plan
Qingdao Airlines is moving forward with installation of in-flight connectivity on its fleet. Integrator FTS is leading the project with hardware from Gilat and the CHina Satcom satellite infrastructure.
Intelsat plans bankruptcy exit, notes liquidation risks
Intelsat has a plan to emerge from its Chapter 11 bankruptcy protection. It involves slashing debt owed by more than half, from $15 billion to $7 billion. But the debtors must agree to those losses. If not, the company faces a more dire outcome, including the likely liquidation of its recently acquired Gogo Commercial Aviation business.
FTS secures BizAv in-flight connectivity deal in China
As the business aviation industry bounces back the need for in-flight internet services on board is proving to be compelling across the globe. And while China has generally lagged in delivering those connections on its domestic aircraft the country’s largest operator of private jets is finally ready to get online.
Qatar Airways upgrades 787-8 IFE to Thales AVANT
The Qatar Airways 787-8 fleet is getting an upgrade. The carrier will swap out the in-flight entertainment system on board its oldest Dreamliners to the Thales AVANT platform.
Another fleet comes online
Airlines are still navigating the timing challenges of how and when to return their aircraft to service. But as they do in-flight connectivity remains an important amenity to offer. And if you listen to the suppliers it is even more important now. PaxEx.Aero can now confirm that another airline fleet has wifi installed on board.
JetBlue unveils Mint 2.0, business class cabin for London
This is the new JetBlue Mint business class seat that will carry passengers to London later this year. After years of development the carrier unveiled its Mint 2.0 cabin with a unique all-aisle access, flat bed option for travelers on the A321LR fleet.
Panasonic Avionics extends, expands Sport 24 deal with IMG Media
Millions more passengers could soon see expanded access to live sporting events on their in-flight entertainment screens. Under a renewed and expanded deal announced earlier this month Panasonic Avionics Corporation (PAC) will increase its distribution of IMG’s Sport 24 network to include aircraft outside of its direct service portfolio.