From the Control Tower
Connectivity
United Airlines adds free Messaging to in-flight WiFi
United Airlines passengers now have a free, albeit limited, in-flight WiFi option on board. The carrier enabled free messaging services for travelers via its mobile app.
Inmarsat connects to first LEO payload
Over the summer Inmarsat announced plans to add multiple new layers to its satellite communication network. Today the company confirms that its first low earth orbit (LEO) test payload is operational.
OneWeb signs Airbus for military, government services contract
Airbus will distribute connectivity services from the OneWeb low earth orbit (LEO) satellite constellation for military and government customers. The distribution agreement signed this week allows Airbus to add the LEO capacity to its existing portfolio and offers a hint of what the products might look like for the commercial segment.
Eva Berneke appointed Chief Executive Officer of Eutelsat
Eva Berneke will be the new CEO of Eurtelsat from 1st January 2022. Eva brings considerable experience of the Telecoms and Technology industries. She joins Eutelsat from KMD, Denmark's leading IT and software company, specialising in IT solutions and services for the public and private sector, and now part of the NEC Group.
In-Flight Entertainment
American to be launch customer for Thales Optiq displays
American Airlines' upcoming A321XLR and 787-9 aircraft will be the launch platform for the Thales AVANT Optiq displays. These 4K HDR screens, featuring Samsung QLED technology also offer Bluetooth pairing at every seat.
Cabin Design
How sideways can you sit?
When it comes to flying, seats generally face forward. There are a few that face backward, typically reserved for premium cabins,. And then there are the sideways seats. Including one that might soon fly even more sideways than before.
Loyalty
JetBlue adds Mosaic+, free upgrades for 2022 elites
JetBlue will make its TrueBlue Mosaic elite status more rewarding in 2022. Upgrades are coming for members, including an option for highly coveted Mint upgrades as part of a newly established Mosaic+ tier of the program.
Will airlines & hotels ever end the unlimited free elite status extensions?
Over the past two years – airlines, hotels and travel companies extended complimentary status for elites because, Covid.
When - and how - will that freebie buffet come to an end??
United snags Virgin Australia as a partner, displacing Delta
Virgin Australia and United Airlines secured a new partnership for connections between the United States and Australia. The deal, effective from April 2022, sees Delta Air Lines drop from the role it held over the past decade.
Other Industry News
KLM, Transavia tap Airbus for single-aisle refresh
Chalk up another 100 aircraft order for Airbus (plus 60 options). Air France-KLM announced a firm order to refresh the KLM, Transavia, and Transavia France fleets with A320neo family aircraft.
Baltimore, Boston picked for PLAY’s US debut
Travelers from Baltimore and Boston now have a new option to Europe. Iceland's PLAY intends to launch both markets in Spring 2022, connecting the US to Europe via its hub at Keflavik.
Qantas picks Airbus for fleet refresh
The next several decades will see a lot of Airbus planes in the skies over Australia. Qantas announced its intention today to renew its single-aisle fleet with a mix of up to 134 A220 and A320neo family aircraft.
United, ZeroAvia see hydrogen-powered regional jets by the end of the decade
United Airlines wants to power some of its regional jets with hydrogen by the end of the decade. The company announced a deal with ZeroAvia to purchase up to 100 of the new zero-emission, 100% hydrogen-electric engines (ZA2000-RJ). The engine could be retrofit to existing United Express aircraft as early as 2028.
Financial commitment from area business leaders helped lure Lufthansa to St. Louis
How to convince a major airline to bring new long-haul service to the Midwest? Try millions of dollars in revenue guarantees.