Connectivity
Airbus, Skyfive advance 5G ATG connections in China
China remains, somewhat surprisingly, one of the least connected aerospace markets in the world. Once again, however, there are hints that could change with the deployment of a massive air-to-ground network. Backed by local airlines, telecom companies, and – most importantly – the government, efforts are once again underway to deliver a trial ATG network in the country.
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Air Canada selects Intelsat 2Ku for A321 internet service
Air Canada's A321 fleet will soon fly with the Intelsat 2Ku in-flight internet solution. Under the agreement the carrier will upgrade its offering for 15 existing aircraft, while also taking 15 new deliveries with the system installed from the Airbus factory in Hamburg.
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Telekom FlyNet app eases in-flight connectivity for Lufthansa passengers
Deutsche Telekom continues to smooth the process for buying WiFi on board. The company launched the FlyNet application, in partnership with Lufthansa, to help customers connect across any of the airline's flights, regardless of the underlying internet service provider. And there's a lot more to come.
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Slowing their ESA roll
Electronically steered antennae (ESAs) are coming to commercial and business aviation. But not everyone is in a hurry to get there. Two companies with ESA products on their roadmap took a step back focusing on existing, proven technology platforms instead.
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SpaceX secures mobility rights from FCC
SpaceX can now deliver its satellite-based internet service to "Earth Stations in Motion," paving the way for the network to go live on airplanes, ships, and other moving vehicles. The FCC ruling is a major step forward for Starlink's consumer and enterprise services, including plans to activate service on commercial aircraft later this year.
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Cabin Design
Additional details, images for Air New Zealand’s new Business Premier Luxe, SkyNest seats
After five years of design and development work, the new Air New Zealand business class cabin is expected to formally launch this week. This includes the new Business Premier Luxe offering in the bulkhead row, and SkyNest sleeping bunks for economy class passengers
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Loyalty
Oman Air to join oneworld alliance
Oneworld will grow once again, with Oman Air now slated to join the alliance from 2024. The carrier's ascension into the group was formally approved and announced at the IATA Annual General Meeting in Doha this week.
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Other Industry News
Operational challenges mar Breeze A220 launch
Breeze Airways kicked off the summer by bringing its A220 fleet online. Eventually that should be good news for passenger comfort. But the teething pains the carrier is experiencing today are bad news for passengers and the airline alike, especially as peak summer travel hits.
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China places massive Airbus A320neo family order
China's three state-owned airlines will boost their combined fleet by more than 300 planes, with a major Airbus A320neo order announced today. Air China, China Southern, and China Eastern will each take about 100 single-aisle aircraft, all expected to be delivered between 2024-2027.v
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Cathay Pacific plans a return of JFK-Vancouver flights, with a catch
In late 2019 Cathay Pacific announced plans to halt flying from Hong Kong to JFK via Vancouver. Next month, however, the carrier seems keen to bring back the service, likely driven at least in part by COVID-related policies.
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