Riding the APEX EXPO Afterglow

From the Control Tower

Flight troubles may have conspired to keep me away from APEX EXPO this year, but the steady news flow means lots to talk about. And plenty happening outside the Long Beach Convention Center, as well.

Connectivity

OneWeb, GDC Technics partner on new ESA solution

OneWeb and GDC Technics signed a Joint Development Agreement to deliver a new in-flight connectivity terminal. The new terminal, based on the electronically steered antenna technology developed by Ball Aerospace, will enable airlines to connect their aircraft, passengers, and crew over OneWeb’s Low Earth Orbit (LEO) satellite communication network.

Anuvu adds $50 million for MicroGEO connectivity growth

Four months after announcing plans for a new MicroGEO satellite constellation, in-flight connectivity supplier Anuvu secured $50 million to help develop and launch the platform. The capital is anticipated to support the expansion of the Anuvu Constellation ground and space networks, including its network management and data platforms and advanced mobility-focused antennas.

Inmarsat, GDC celebrate 737 certification of Falcon 300 terminal for GX Aviation

Inmarsat's new GX Aviation terminal is now FAA certified for installation on Boeing 737 family aircraft. The Falcon 300 kit was developed in partnership with developed GDC Advanced Technology and includes GDC’s dual modem manager (MODMAN), with components by Kontron, and the proven, reliable, low-profile Ka2517 antenna by ThinKom.

SmartSky announces ATG availability for regional airlines

Building on its announcement last month at NBAA, SmartSky took advantage of the APEX EXPO event in Long Beach, CA this week to formally launch business operations for commercial regional airlines across the Continental United States (CONUS). The company's high speed air-to-ground network provides a new alternative for airline looking to bring high performing in-flight connectivity to the smaller aircraft in their fleet.

AirAsia brings Inmarsat GX Aviation installations in-house with Asia Digital Engineering

The AirAsia group is getting deeper into the in-flight connectivity business. Wholly owned subsidiary Asia Digital Engineering (ADE) completed its first installation of the GX Aviation system on a company A320, opening the door to future installations for both AirAsia and other airlines in the region.

In-Flight Entertainment

Malaysia Airlines plans IFE update with Flymingo

Malaysia Airlines plans to update the in-flight entertainment (IFE) experience on its 737-800 fleet. The airline will launch a new streaming IFE solution on board, based on Moment's Flymingo Connect platform.

Cabin Design

Qatar Airways poised to lease/operate Cathay 777s

Qatar Airways is looking to partners to help augment its long-haul fleet. Cathay Pacific is next up, with a couple 777s likely moving west early in 2022.

Other Industry News

Allegiant, Viva Aerobus plan groundbreaking joint venture

Allegiant sees significant potential carrying leisure travelers to Mexican resort destinations, but the cost – both real and relative to domestic expansion – is too high. Viva Aerobus wants to expand deeper into the US leisure segment, but its prior attempts mostly failed. Together, however, the two believe they can become a strong player in the transborder market, commanding a double digit share.

Norwegian brings back the MAX 8, with a twist

Norwegian agreed to lease a pair of Boeing 737 MAX 8 aircraft, bringing the type back into service at the carrier. The two planes will join the carrier's operations "shortly" with a focus on meeting the Summer 2022 goal of serving approximately 270 routes.

Airlines Avoid Thanksgiving Pitfalls as Daily Passengers Top Two Million

Carriers say preparations for big crowds paid off after recent stumbles as the Omicron Covid-19 variant adds new uncertainty to travel.

Costly Airbus paint flaw goes wider than the Gulf

A dispute between Airbus and Qatar Airways over paint and surface flaws on A350 jets stretches beyond the Gulf, with at least five other airlines raising concerns since the high-tech model entered service.