A big boost to Ka-band connectivity over the Americas will come next month as SES-17 secures an October launch date.
Spirit Airlines
Small city airport grants for big airlines
The US Department of Transportation will spend $18 million this year to bolster flight options for smaller airports and communities. Nearly all of that money will funnel to United Airlines and American Airlines.
Atlantic City scores international, Caribbean service with Spirit Airlines expansion
Spirit Airlines will bring international flights to Atlantic City, NJ this winter, a first for the airport. A trio of new destinations will see the low cost carrier expand to 10 total markets from the airport, continuing to expand well beyond 2019 levels at its South Jersey base.
Tracking tails: More WiFi flying sooner than expected
In-flight WiFi installations don’t have to be a slow, drawn out affair. And even with the rebound in air travel demand in the US, some airlines are finding the necessary downtime in their fleet to get the gear installed. Including one sub-fleet that finished a little faster than previously anticipated.
Spirit grows in South Florida, adds major Miami network
Miami International Airport is the place to be as air travel recovers in the United States, and Spirit Airlines will not be left out. The carrier announced a massive expansion into the market, with plans for up to 30 daily flights to 30 destinations.
Spirit Airlines bests FAA in Newark slots spat
Spirit Airlines could soon secure more slots at Newark Airport. A ruling by the US Court of Appeals for the DC Circuit found that the FAA acted improperly in choosing to not reallocate slots vacated by Southwest Airlines its Newark station closed in late 2019. As a result of that decision Spirit was unable to increase its presence at the airport. With this ruling, however, the FAA likely will be forced to allocate the slots and Spirit (or other airlines) could pick them up.
Spirit Airlines WiFi goes live*
Spirit Airlines is now online in the sky. The first few planes fitted with the company’s in-flight wifi connectivity offering recently entered service for passenger use, though a formal launch is not expected until later this year.
Collusion to Ecuador?? Airlines spar over slots and service
As drama around the American Airlines/JetBlue Northeast Alliance continues to swell, the battle is spilling over to an unlikely location: Ecuador. Recent requests for adjustments triggered accusations of collusion by American Airlines and JetBlue, outside the approved partnership parameters.
Spirit Airlines new Free Spirit loyalty program now live
The new Free Spirit program is now live. And with it comes some change in the company’s approach to airline loyalty.
The Weekly Wrap: GX+ North America and Spirit’s New Loyalty Program
In this edition of The Weekly Wrap we’re chatting with Philip Balaam, president of Inmarsat Aviation, about the company’s tie-up with Hughes to create a new in-flight connectivity solution, GX+ North America. Plus FreeSpirit, OpenIFC, and showers in the sky.