Australia is reopening its borders, and Qantas is ready to take advantage of the pent up demand for travel. The airline will accelerate the return of many international routes, as well as larger aircraft, to support consumer demand. It is also adding a frequent flyer twist, with several “points planes” loaded for travelers.
India
SpiceJet online later this year with Inmarsat’s GX Aviation
Inmarsat’s GX Aviation in-flight wifi service is expected to come online over India later this year, with SpiceJet as the launch carrier.
Tata retakes Air India in privatization push
Nearly 70 years after Air India was nationalized, it will return to (a version of) its prior home. The government announced today that Tata Sons offered the successful bid for the privatization of the airline. The original operation was run by JRD Tata until the government took it over in 1953.
Vistara scores tentative DOT approval for US operations
Just five weeks after submitting its application the US Department of Transportation, India’s Vistara received tentative approval to begin operations to the United States. Assuming no objections from other carriers a final decision could be delivered by the end of the month.
Vistara plans US launch in September
The Vistara 787s could be flying to the USA later this year. The carrier applied to the US DOT for permission to operate service as soon as September.
Flight Report: Vistara’s domestic 787 experience
This is certainly not how Vistara expected its 787s to be flying as it launched the new fleet and expanded its global footprint. Still, the on-board experience offers several bright spots as the company adapts to the COVID-19 era of service.
Vistara extends in-flight WiFi service in India
Domestic flights in India can now operate with the inflight internet service active. Vistara is first to market, with its A321neo fleet activating.
India’s Jio adds inflight connectivity roaming
Payment friction remains a significant barrier to getting passengers online with inflight connectivity solutions. One Indian mobile phone provider hopes to ease that burden with new roaming plans focused specifically on the market. Jio announced new plans this week where subscribers can roam on board 22 airlines using a data package tied to their phone bill.
Air India losing money on 90%+ of its routes
Just how bad were things for Air India, even before the market collapsed in early 2020? According to the Minister of Civil Aviation the carrier lost money on 319 of the 340 routes it operated globally. Only 6% of the carrier’s network operations met costs for the twelve months from April 2019 through March 2020.
Vistara launches inflight wifi service on Dreamliner fleet
After years of promises and product evolution Vistara’s service from Delhi to London on the 787-9 will deliver a major milestone for the inflight connectivity industry. Inflight wifi service will fly on an Indian airline tonight for the first time, powered by Nelco and Panasonic Avionics