When it comes to creating a new base for an airline choosing a spoke on the network is an uncommon choice. And doubly so when most of the destinations served are hubs of other airlines. But airBaltic likes to do things a bit differently. And CEO Martin Gauss believes the carrier can repeat that model thanks to airline partners and cities keen to grow a far-reaching version of air connectivity.
SAS
SAS takes delivery of first A321LR
Sure, it is a few months later than expected, but SAS took delivery of its first A321LR aircraft today. It is the first of three LRs the company expects to join the fleet, offering service in transatlantic markets that are too small to support twin-aisle aircraft.
Beyond route cuts, airlines initiate extended suspension of operations
A week ago this level of cuts to airline route networks seemed beyond the pale. Now, it appears to be just the start.
SAS selects Thompson for A321LR business class
Lie-flat for long-haul. Even on its new, smaller planes, that’s the plan for SAS. Business class passengers will fly on the Thompson Vantage seat as the A321LR joins the carrier’s fleet starting early next year.
Slot jockeying and Wifi Deals: PaxEx Update for 2019-09-20
Jockeying for more access to Heathrow and more fast wifi flying lead this week’s PaxEx news, with a new livery and loyalty program buy-back also making waves.
Viasat extends its SAS reach with long-haul planes
Viasat’s high-speed inflight wifi connectivity will soon fly farther on SAS. The two announced a deal at APEX EXPO this week for two new types to be retrofitted with the Ka-band connectivity solution. Unlike the current short/mid-haul SAS fleet these planes are intended to fly transatlantic routes with the Viasat hardware on board.
PaxEx Update: 2019-07-05
Welcome to the PaxEx Update for 5 July 2019, bringing you biggest headlines on what’s changed for passenger experience in the past week.
SAS picks Inmarsat GX for A350 connectivity
The new A350-900 fleet for SAS will fly with the Inmarsat GX Aviation inflight wifi product when they are delivered beginning at the end of 2019. The full A350 fleet for the carrier is expected online by 2023.
Shipping ATG out to sea
Air-to-ground connectivity networks do not work over water. The word ground is right there in the name. Not ocean, not sea. Ground. And yet, Deutsche Telekom has its eyes on changing the rules of ATG networking, bringing the technology to some overwater flights to further support Inmarsat’s European Aviation Network (EAN) operations. The idea might not be as crazy as it sounds.
PaxEx Premium: Shipping ATG out to sea
Air-to-ground connectivity networks do not work over water. The word ground is right there in the name. Not ocean, not sea. Ground. And yet, Deutsche Telekom has its eyes on changing the rules of ATG networking, bringing the technology to some overwater flights to further support Inmarsat's European Aviation Network (EAN) operations. The idea might not be as crazy as it sounds.