SkyTeam lost its largest mainland China airline this week. China Southern announced it will quit the alliance in 2019. The non-renewal of the membership contract will see the carrier transition out of its alliance relationships in the coming year. This is not a hard stop of relations; rather, the changes are likely to roll out over time. It is also not a surprise.
International Airline Group
Qantas quits the startup world
Airlines want to invest in emerging technologies. They want access to the startups and to foster those relationships. This is the message delivered around the world as investment funds, incubators and accelerators sprout up. Many of these programs claim success and continue to grow. For Qantas, however, the message is different. Its dedicated venture group dissolved in recent weeks and the accelerator shuttered.
Inmarsat’s S-Band satellite ready to offer EAN service
Airline passengers in Europe inched closer to a new inflight connectivity option as the Inmarsat European Aviation Network satellite is now ready for service. Still a couple chances for things to get messy along the way, though.