Saudi Arabia’s first air-to-ground inflight internet service is now online, thanks to Saudia, Skyfive, CITC, STC, and Eclipse Global Connectivity.
regulations
Mexico considers foreign airlines for cabotage operations
Mexico’s President want to see more competition in the domestic air travel market. López Obrador proposes to allow foreign airlines to operate within the country – service known as cabotage – competing against the local incumbents. But will any show up??
Eastern Airlines plans Shanghai flights
Eastern Airlines wants to fly to China before the end of the year. The carrier applied to the US Department of Transportation for allocation route frequencies connecting New York’s JFK Airport with Shanghai.
Starlink Aviation opens up for BizAv orders
Starlink for business aviation is officially on the market, coinciding with the NBAA 2022 conference in Orlando. The company is now accepting orders for the inflight internet service, with hardware to ship in 2023.
UK sees “substantial lessening of competition” risk in proposed Viasat/Inmarsat merger
Their overlap in the inflight connectivity segment could derail the proposed merger between Viasat and Inmarsat. UK regulators announced plans to further investigate the competitive impact of the deal.
WestJet adds MAX 10 to fleet plan
WestJet plans to add 42 737 MAX 10 aircraft to its fleet, continuing its growth plans. The order also comes with 22 options.
SkyFive, Safran Passenger Innovations push forward on connectivity in China
High speed inflight connectivity over China took another step forward earlier this month, as Safran Passenger Innovations (SPI) and SkyFive announced a partnership to integrate their services for airlines. The SkyFive air-to-ground networking hardware will connect to SPI’s RAVE on-board platform, with promises of incredibly high speed, low latency service to passengers.
DOT proposes major change to airline refund rules
The US Department of Transportation is proposing significant changes to how and when passengers are due refunds for canceled or changed travel plans. Under a Notice of Proposed Rule Making (NPRM) issued this week the Department would require full refunds when an airline cancels or significantly changes a flight, regardless of reason.
No MAX 7s for Southwest this year
At the beginning of 2022 Southwest Airlines anticipated taking delivery of more than 70 new Boeing 737 MAX 7 aircraft through the year. Seven months into the year, with FAA certification timing still unclear, the carrier revised that number to zero.
Delta, United both win access to serve Cape Town this winter
Delta Air Lines and United Airlines spent the past five months bickering over a scarce resource: access to fly from the US to Cape Town South Africa. The US DOT managed to negotiate a solution where both come away winners.