PaxEXtra

From the Control Tower

The first big trade show of the year is underway in Washington, DC, with news aplenty. Alas, I'm stuck at home, very much feeling the FOMO. Still doing my best to keep up with all the IFC news there, though that's for next week's newsletter. This week we've got two different airlines going live on Starlink, wireless IFE continuing to expand, and an unlikely premium push.

Connectivity

British Airways Activates First Starlink Installation

The first British Airways aircraft fitted with the Starlink inflight internet solution is now flying.

SAS Taps 3 for Starlink Subsidy, Global Roaming Support

SAS launched a strategic partnership with mobile telcom provider 3 supporting, among other things, the cost of delivering the complimentary Starlink internet service on board.

Lightspeed Slips, Shifts Capacity to Mil-Ka

Full global availability of the Telesat Lightspeed constellation schedule slipped into 2028, owing to hardware production issues.

In-Flight Entertainment

EgyptAir Taps Next-gen IFE from Panasonic Avionics for A350 Fleet

EgyptAir's newest aircraft entered service last month flying the newest inflight entertainment offering from Panasonic Avionics, including a modular, easily managed interface and increased engagement options along with high quality visuals from nose-to-tail.

Vueling Adds Wireless IFE, Powered by Viasat

Inflight entertainment is now available - and complimentary - on the Vueling fleet.

"SkyNet" Inflight Shopping Launches on airBaltic, Starlink

airBaltic aims to pick up some ancillary revenue from inflight shopping, with the launch of Skynet*, "an innovative digital platform available to all travelers on their personal devices throughout the flight," powered by the carrier's Starlink IFC service.

Cabin Design

easyJet Picks Ultralight Mirus Kestrel Seats for Future Fleet

Mirus scored a massive contract for its Kestrel seat, with easyJet signing to install it on more than 230 new aircraft.

Spirit Pushes Premium Pivot for Bankruptcy Exit

A big part of Spirit Airlines' plan for exiting bankruptcy this summer: Betting on premium to drive its future revenues. But, also, the carrier is still not entirely sure what that premium looks like.