Ahoy, Hamburg!

From the Control Tower

As expected, FTE EMEA last week whet the appetite for a flood of news to come at AIX in Hamburg this week.

Follow along during the event via Twitter, as well as on PaxEx.Aero.

Here. We. Go!

Connectivity

ThinKom targets regional jets with smaller antenna solution

ThinKom's ThinAir family now has a new kid brother. The company formally launched the ThinAir Ka1717 offering this week, offering a smaller, lighter solution targeting the regional jet market.

OneWeb confirms launch schedule into 2023

With SpaceX and ISRO contracts signed, OneWeb will soon be ready to resume launches of its low earth orbit satellites. Under the revised plan the launches will extend into 2023, as the company works to complete its satellite constellation and establish its global footprint.

In-Flight Entertainment

AERQ brings Welcome Board to Stelia’s Opera business class cabin

STELIA Aerospace and AERQ are teaming to bring the Welcome Board to A320neo-family aircraft. The 32” UHD OLED screen will be integrated into the front row monument at the entry door for STELIA's OPERA business class seat.

Philippine Airlines adds streaming IFE with Inflight Dublin

Inflight Dublin has been selected by Philippine Airlines (PAL), the flag carrier of the Philippines, to provide a trial of its Everhub™ Wireless IFE solution.

DFP: The Next Generation

PaxEx Premium Exclusive: With a growing fleet of aircraft equipped and on-board features deployed, the Delta Flight Products (DFP) inflight entertainment platform is a mature and reliable solution for the airline's needs. The next generation of that system, now under development, will open a number of new opportunities, both for and beyond the Delta Air Lines fleet.

China Airlines extends FlightPath3D moving map offering

China Airlines continues to expand its deployment of the FlightPath3D moving map solution. The carrier recently deployed the first installation of the "second screen" version on a China Airlines A321neo.

Cabin Design

Astronics selected for Southwest’s in-seat power program

Last month Southwest Airlines announced plans to install in-seat power on its 737 MAX fleet. Now we know that Astronics will provide its EMPOWER solution to the carrier.

VantageDUO brings a new concept to single-aisle business class cabins

Airlines have a new option for premium cabin seating where a flat bed may be too much to offer. The new Thompson Aero VantageDUO improves on the traditional single-aisle offerings, with similar pitch to traditional recliners but significantly greater levels of comfort, privacy, and personal space.

Other Industry News

Norse Atlantic Wants to Burn Money Faster, Fly to Berlin

Norse Atlantic is getting ready to start service shortly from the US to Oslo, and it now appears to be in the phase of growth called “throw at the wall and see if anything sticks.” On the heels of its announced New York/JFK – London/Gatwick flight, it has put out its latest plan for service from both JFK and Los Angeles to Berlin. This seems like a bad idea.

El Al seeks transit travel, expanded partnerships

El Al's new CEO Dina Ben Tal Ganancia has big plans for the Israeli flag carrier. As it emerges form pandemic-related restrictions, she is keen, among other things, for Tel Aviv to become a transit hub, rather than just a destination.