Live television is back on American Airlines. Driving the return – much as it drove the disappearance last year – is demand for live sports on board.
ViaSat
Qantas making big moves, looks to restart international travel
The financials are, expectedly, not great for Qantas. But with the carrier’s latest earnings report it also expressed optimism in the reopening of international markets later this year. And, potentially, a return of the A380 to service sooner than expected.
El Al removing Viasat WiFi from 737s to avoid possible aircraft damage
El Al, Astronics, and Viasat joined the dubious group of in-flight connectivity installations causing damage to aircraft last week. As a result, hardware must be removed from the planes to avoid catastrophic failure.
Viasat boosts aviation backlog, lingers over LEO likelihood
Viasat is making a lot of money, even though it cannot add new users to its core satellite offering today. But the company is not shying away from aircraft additions, with hundreds more anticipated over the next couple years.
TikTok flies free on some American Airlines planes
A few months ago it was on the way to being banned in the United States. Now some airline passengers can access it in the sky without paying extra. TikTok will fly free on most of American Airline’s single-aisle fleet, beginning today.
Icelandair brings the MAX 9 online
Icelandair can once again claim in-flight wifi availability on 100% of its flights. The carrier’s 737 MAX fleet, fitted with Ka-band satellite connectivity from Viasat, began activation earlier this year and will accelerate thanks to a recently received certification on the MAX 9.
American Airlines won’t bring back IFE screens
In-seat screens are not coming back to American Airlines’ single-aisle fleet. The company doubled down on its decision to focus on streaming entertainment on board in the wake of United Airlines’ about face on the issue, citing technical and ecological reasons.
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.
Azul CEO talks free WiFi, sees long-term customer value
How can an airline justify a massive, expensive project coming off the absolute worst year the aviation industry ever experienced? For Azul CEO John Rodgerson, the answer was easy. “The way I look at it is when we invite somebody on board the aircraft we want them to feel as if they’re at home.” And today that at-home experience means access to fast, free, internet connectivity.
United’s major IFE move
“We here at United do not think streaming to your own device is good enough.” With that statement United Airlines’ Chief Customer Officer Toby Enqvist upended the company’s take on in-flight entertainment for its single-aisle fleet, mapping a new path for the company’s future.