A big boost to Ka-band connectivity over the Americas will come next month as SES-17 secures an October launch date.
Thales Inflyt
United toys with free in-flight WiFi for messaging, plus a streaming option
Expect to see some new wifi options on some United Airlines flights, at least for a short while. The company is testing options for higher speeds to support streaming video services, as well as a free option for messaging services, on some of its aircraft.
Singapore Airlines expands in-flight shopping with on-ground fulfillment
In-flight shopping took a new turn on Singapore Airlines as the carrier unveils an expanded on-board shopping experience. With a range of delivery options, the expanded KrisShop melds the convenience of on-board shopping with inventory only possible through a warehouse on the ground.
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.
Thales boosts screen, power options with AVANT Up(grade)
The next generation of in-flight entertainment systems is ready to fly from Thales. The company launched the AVANT Up line this week, with upgraded screens, in-seat power, and services options for airlines.
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.
Personalization and Privacy: Challenges on the JetBlue A220 AVANT IFE
JetBlue made clear a while ago that in-seat screens are here to stay. The company’s brand new A220 fleet includes 10.1 inch, 1080P high definition screens at every seat. And the product improvement with the A220 is massive compared to the E190s it replaces.
But the offering also includes some privacy challenges related to the personalization efforts JetBlue is implementing in partnership with the IFE vendor Thales.
On board the JetBlue A220 inaugural
Since the day it was introduced the A220 (nee CSeries) was described as a game-changer for the industry. JetBlue is about to find out just how well it works. The aircraft entered service on Monday and is a solid offering on which the company is slated to grow in the years ahead.
Qatar Airways upgrades 787-8 IFE to Thales AVANT
The Qatar Airways 787-8 fleet is getting an upgrade. The carrier will swap out the in-flight entertainment system on board its oldest Dreamliners to the Thales AVANT platform.
APEX Weekly Wrap: Airline CEO Shuffles and Using Data to Manage Risk Volatility
This episode of the APEX Weekly Wrap reflects on a week of senior staffing news, following announcements that both British Airways CEO Alex Cruz and Virgin Australia CEO Paul Scurrah will step aside, and way more.