A handful of markets show signs of recovery for passenger traffic. But airlines typically focused on long-haul international service are nowhere close to calling it a recovery. With air cargo capacity still depressed around the globe Finnair is the latest to add more cargo capacity to its operations, bringing a temporary conversion online for its A330s in partnership with Airbus and Lufthansa Technik.
Lufthansa Technik
Turkish Airlines completes first Global Eagle IFC installation
Global Eagle is ending the year on a high note, at least in one market. Just over a year after announcing a deal to install Ku-band satellite connectivity services on a large portion of the Turkish Airlines single-aisle fleet the company confirmed on Monday that the first of those aircraft is now equipped with its Ku-band satellite connectivity solution.
AERQ brings new IFE solution, cabin digitalization to market
Airlines now have another option for delivering inflight entertainment to passengers. AERQ, a joint venture of LG and Lufthansa Technik, is bringing its new cabin digitalization platform to market and already has at least one airline signed up as a customer.
Peek inside the largest converted cargo aircraft flying today
Given that the A380 has no real future as a true cargo aircraft (i.e. containers on the main deck, not just in the belly) this is likely the only time we’ll see the Whale flying with so much freight on board. And that’s awesome, even if it is for less than wonderful reasons.
Curing Catering Concerns: The Weekly Wrap–19 June 2020
Can small changes to the catering process make the current inflight environment a bit safer and bring back some of the comforts passengers have previously enjoyed? We’re also talking about routes returning and new ideas to protect passengers in the cabin on this edition of the Weekly Wrap.
The Weekly Wrap: Cargo conversions and funky seating options
Looking to catch up on passenger experience news in recent days? I’ve got a fun new video series with Maryann Simson from APEX Media and we’re covering all the top headlines.
Sunrise Stretch: PaxEx Update 2019-10-18
The beginnings of Project Sunrise and extra leg room for the Kiwis. Plus more wifi (maybe) coming in China and another loyalty top tier moves further away.
Get these stories and more in this week’s PaxEx Update.
Lufthansa Technik dives in to the Chinese inflight connectivity market
Announcements related to inflight connectivity in China are hard to process. Vendors continue to sign agreements and push out releases but forward progress in terms of getting hardware on planes remains stalled. This week Lufthansa Technik (LHT) joined the field with an announcement of an offering for airlines in China. But, like the others, it is unclear what the timeline for implementation will be or where things will go from here.
AERQ wants to be more than just a Welcome Board
When it comes to screens on airplanes the industry is focused squarely on the seatback. AERQ, a joint venture between Lufthansa Technik and LG Electronics wants to shift that conversation. Taking advantage of LG’s screens technology and the inflight services prowess of Lufthansa Technik and Lufthansa Systems, the company has big expectations for delivering its services on board.
Bits and bobs from EBACE 2019
The annual Geneva gathering of the Business Aviation world known as EBACE is once again underway. The event is a showcase for aircraft manufactures and third party suppliers to highlight their new offerings and features for the private jet travel industry. This year’s show includes incremental updates in the inflight connectivity and entertainment segment, as well as fun new interiors and even progress towards sustainability.