From the Control Tower
Russia's invasion of Ukraine and the impact of aviation probably should be dominating this week's newsletter. It does not. Mostly because, while there's a significant shuffling of the global aviation world underway, it is too dynamic a situation to draw solid conclusions yet. But with airspace closures, spare parts and service being cut off, planes stolen from lessors, and other changes, there's no doubt that Russia's aviation market - and that of many other global players - shifted fast, and the recovery will be much slower.
In the meantime, a hope that Putin backs down and the senseless killing ends soon.
PaxExTRA by PaxEx.Aero
Connectivity
Gogo hits records in 2021
In-flight WiFi demand shows no sign of abating. Gogo's latest statistics show record usage levels on its air-to-ground network, along with a rising number of aircraft installed and hardware shipping to new customers.
paxex.aero
A line-fit shift
The in-flight connectivity industry has something of a history around getting hardware installed at the factory, but not really as a line-fit option. Later this year another aircraft manufacturer will finally transition to a more traditional installation approach, with the blessings of regulators.
paxex.aero
SmartSky hits Gogo with patent lawsuit
Six months ago SmartSky triumphed in defending a key patent from challenge by Gogo. Now the upstart is going on the offensive, challenging the Gogo 5G offering violates at least four of its patents.
paxex.aero
PlaneSense picks Gogo AVANCE L3 for Pilatus fleet
The PlaneSense Pilatus fleet will soon be fully online. The company will soon complete its installation of the Gogo AVANCE L3 solution across the PC-12 and PC-24 fleet.
paxex.aero
Cabin Design
Booze, fresh food return to JetBlue flights
JetBlue will bring back liquor and fresh food on board from the middle of March. The carrier will also update its Eat Up Cafe menu as part of the product relaunch.
paxex.aero
Loyalty
RIP E500s: American retires short-haul upgrade credits
American Airlines is killing off AAdvantage 500-mile upgrade credits. Effective from Wednesday, March 2, 2022, all elites will have access to unlimited upgrades.
paxex.aero
Other Industry News
United looks to launch Dulles-Cape Town service
United Airlines wants to add service between Washington-Dulles and Cape Town, South Africa. The carrier proposes to fly the route thrice weekly, complementing its 3x weekly service from Newark.
paxex.aero
WestJet to acquire Sunwing
Consolidation will try again in Canada, with the pair of smaller players seeking a merger. WestJet wants to take advantage of Sunwing's leisure-focused operations and strong vacation packages brand, while avoiding rental aircraft needs for peak seasonal demand.
mediaroom.com