Japan Airlines confirmed expansion of its inflight internet deployment to part of its regional jet fleet. The carrier’s first E190 – operated by subsidiary J-AIR – officially returned to service with the Intelsat 2Ku hardware on board late last year.
Japan Airlines
What’s under that radome?
Regional jets, for the most part, do not offer satellite-based internet services on board. The hardware is typically considered too large for the fuselage, and too heavy for the smaller planes. But it is not impossible. And another carrier now seems to be trying it out.
ZIPAIR pushes forward with plans for US service
Japanese long-haul low cost carrier startup ZIPAIR sees challenges on the horizon, but it continues to push forward with its plans to launch service this year, including between its Tokyo hub and Honolulu later this Fall.
Viasat signs JAL for Aerodocs document management platform
Japan Airlines will adopt the Viasat Aerodocs document management system to support the airline’s safety and compliance objectives. The Aerodocs platform allows JAL to fully digitize documentation required for pilots as part of its electronic flight bag push.
ZIPAir brings a basic cabin configuration to life
Fully flat beds are coming to the Asian LCC market in mid-2020. But that’s about the only thing exciting in the new ZIPAir cabin configuration unveiled last week. And some of the finer details straddle the line between disappointing and concerning.
PaxEx Update: FTE Asia edition
AirAsia is (still) making big moves in the ASEAN region and digital bag tags are evolving to a level that might be useful soon. Plus some news on IFE/C going active and getting profitable. The 2019 Future Travel Experience Asia was a great show and these are just a few of the highlights.
Hawaiian, JAL come up short on anti-trust immunity plans
Hawaiian and JAL had grand plans to coordinate their operations between Asia and Hawaii. The US DoT has other ideas. The ATI application was denied this week, citing insufficient benefit to passengers.
Delta, United win big in Haneda slot allocation
Delta Air Lines and United Airlines came home the big winners in the most recent allocation of coveted route authorities at Tokyo’s Haneda International Airport. The pair combined for nine of the twelve available slots, with American Airlines and Hawaiian Airlines picking up the other three. The new flights should begin operation in Summer 2020.
Delta moves towards free inflight wifi
Free inflight wifi is set to soar on Delta Air Lines starting next week. The carrier plans a two week trial of the complimentary on approximately 55 flights each day as it studies the cost and value of making the shift.
Digging in to Global Connectivity Revenues
A pair of recent earnings reports left open questions about just how many aircraft are generating how much inflight connectivity revenue. Both Gogo and Inmarsat clarified those positions, providing better context around their numbers.