The new Star Alliance credit card, first teased in May of this year, is now live in Australia. Launched in partnership with HSBC, the first of its kind co-brand credit card allows members to earn Star Alliance Points and elite status with seven partner airline loyalty programs.
United Airlines
CommuteAir plans E175 fleet
CommuteAir is looking to size up its operations. The carrier, currently the exclusive E145 operator for United Airlines’ regional services, now wants to add the E175 family to its fleet.
BAGTAG targets North American expansion, adds homing solution
Having secured a bridgehead in North America with its Alaska Airlines deal, BAGTAG is looking to grow quickly, both in terms of customers served and the type of offerings available.
Airlines see a renewed digital transformation push from IATA
IATA boss Willie Walsh called out digital transformation as a key focus for airlines as they seek to reduce staffing pressures which are limiting their ability to restore capacity against strong travel demand.
United, T-Mobile activate complimentary WiFi on board
United Airlines is, once again, a partner in the T-Mobile inflight wifi program. The expanded relationship, first tipped two weeks ago, takes effect today. T-Mobile subscribers on eligible plans will receive access to the streaming level connectivity service on select domestic and short-haul international United flights.
Alaska Airlines going digital to slash bag check-in time
Alaska Airlines has grand visions for growth, targeting a 40% increase in passenger count over the next five years. Digital solutions are a large part of the plan to meet that growth, touching every facet of the business, including the tags on checked bags.
United joins T-Mobile’s free inflight WiFi program
United Airlines plans to offer free inflight WiFi to some T-Mobile customers beginning this fall.
United’s quirky Economy Plus sales options
United Airlines is expanding access to its Economy Plus extra leg room seating option. The carrier now offers passengers the option to purchase it directly in search results, appearing akin to a distinct class of service between economy class and business or first class on board. But it is not a different cabin of service. And that’s just one of the ways the implementation is a wee bit wonky.
Intelsat goes multi-orbit with OneWeb LEO option for airlines
Commercial airlines will soon have another option for in-flight connectivity (IFC) delivered via low earth orbit (LEO) satellites. Intelsat secured a global distribution partnership with OneWeb, allowing for the development of a multi-orbit offering. The partnership builds on Intelsat’s extensive IFC experience and existing geo-stationary (GEO) satellite service, augmented with the OneWeb LEO constellation.
US airlines delivering less efficient operations
A review of employment numbers and schedules suggests the airlines are up to 20% less efficient than in 2019 on a per-employee basis.