When it comes to tracking connectivity installations, sometimes regulators share the most useful insights. Taking a look at which STCs have (and have not) been issued lately offers up some details on a few key programs across the industry.
lawsuit
JetBlue secures permanent Schiphol slots
JetBlue will have access to Amsterdam’s Schiphol Airport to continue its flights from Boston and New York City for the winter season. And, unlike the slots it secured to launch the market this summer, the winter slots comes with “historical” rights, allowing it to keep them for future years, so long as it continues to operate.
LATAM fined $1 million for COVID refund delays
South American airline LATAM faces a $1 million fine from the US Department of Transportation for failure to refund passengers in a timeline manner after cancelling flights during the early days of the COVID-19 pandemic.
DOJ wins: JetBlue, American NEA declared illegal
JetBlue and American Airlines must unwind their Northeast Alliance (NEA), and quickly. The partnership was ruled a violation of the Sherman Antitrust Act. This is, of course, bad news for the two airlines. The impact may be broader than that.
Gogo pays down debt, reports record quarterly service revenue
Gogo notified debtors of its intention to pay off $100 million of outstanding debt, a move that will help the company reduce its long-term interest expenses.
Gogo brings next-gen BizAv WiFi to Canada
Gogo is pressing forward with its updated network rollout, now confirming plans to cover Canadian markets with the improved service.
JetBlue hit with DOJ, DOT objections to Spirit buyout
Regulatory approval has been a major concern since the day Spirit Airlines became a takeover target a year ago. Now, seven months after JetBlue won the bidding battle, it must convince US regulators – or a judge – that consolidation is good for consumers. And the Department of Justice will not make that an easy task.
SmartSky boosts patent claims against Gogo
SmartSky’s patent lawsuit against Gogo has grown. By increasing the number of patents at issue, SmartSky gains additional opportunities to win the suit; any one violation is sufficient for it to secure victory.
Gogo’s 5G chips move to manufacturing
Last August Gogo announced a delay in its Gogo 5G network activation, owing to issues in development of the chipset for its on-board modem. Today the company confirms that those issues are resolved.
Gogo sees record revenue, saves on 5G lawsuit costs
Gogo’s legal victory at the end of September allows the company to continue selling its new Gogo 5G network, even as SmartSky believes it will succeed with an appeal to have the injunction reinstated. The ruling also saved the company a few million dollars.