Connectivity
Eutelsat, OneWeb to merge in LEO/GEO push
The next generation of the OneWeb constellation is now funded. Eutelsat will divert its dividend payments for the next two years to help cover the cost of building and launching the expanded low earth orbit constellation as part of a merger deal between the two companies announced on Tuesday.
paxex.aero
Thales FlytLIVE gets boost with SES-17 activation
The official launch of the FlytLIVE in-flight WiFi service on Spirit Airlines earlier this month, after a year of trial operations, represents a strong return to the in-flight connectivity market for Thales. But the company is not slowing down now that the gear is live; quite the opposite, in fact.
paxex.aero
Panasonic Avionics announces trio of new senior executives
Two new executives are joining the senior ranks at Panasonic Avionics, and a third is getting a nice promotion. The company announced the changes as part of its drive to capture value from the broad recovery for the airline industry and sustained increases in passenger traffic.
paxex.aero
In-Flight Entertainment
Destination Reels boost interactivity on Southwest’s moving map
Roughly a third of the time spent in the Southwest Airlines inflight connectivity portal is consumed on the moving map. And those passengers now have some additional infotainment available. The carrier is the launch customer for Destination Reels from FlightPath3D, an immersive travel guide loaded with mobile-friendly, short-form videos for all of Southwest's destinations.
paxex.aero
Cabin Design
Iberia taps Recaro for new A350 business class suites (with doors!)
Iberia's next generation of A350 aircraft will offer business class suites, including a sliding door for privacy. Recaro will provide the seats for the carrier.
paxex.aero
Back in Business: A transcon trip in the American Airlines A321T
Is $50/hour a fair price to pay for upgrading to a business class seat? American Airlines suggested that price to me last week, and after a long couple days of work north of Los Angeles I took the offer. With a transcon flight home ahead, I figured the extra space and comfort would be worthwhile. It was a pleasant and comfortable trip, though the A321T fleet is starting to show its age.
paxex.aero
Other Industry News
JetBlue, Spirit agree to $3.8 billion deal
Four months after starting the conversations, and just a few hours after the Frontier Airlines bid was formally rejected, Spirit Airlines and JetBlue announced a definitive agreement to merge.
paxex.aero
WAI Launches 8th Annual Girls in Aviation Day
Thousands of girls, ages 8-17, around the world on September 24 will be able to experience the 8th Annual Girls in Aviation Day in their local communities through unique events hosted by Women in Aviation International (WAI) Chapters and Corporate Members. WAI will continue to offer additional virtual resources, activities, information, and instructional videos via the free Aviation for Girls App.
mailchi.mp
No MAX 7s for Southwest this year
At the beginning of 2022 Southwest Airlines anticipated taking delivery of more than 70 new Boeing 737 MAX 7 aircraft through the year. Seven months into the year, with FAA certification timing still unclear, the carrier revised that number to zero.
paxex.aero
Dutch Say Airport Cap Will Bring an End to Cheap Hub Flights
Dutch moves to cut noise and air pollution at Amsterdam Schiphol airport will signal an end to its status as a hub for price-sensitive travelers, Infrastructure Minister Mark Harbers said in an interview.
bloomberg.com
FAA proposes long-awaited rule requiring second cockpit door on new plane
The second door would enable a pilot to close the door to the cockpit before opening a door to the airplane cabin.
travelweekly.com
Comac hails ‘crucial victory’ as C919 completes flight tests | News | Flight Global
Who had the C919 certification coming before the MAX 7 or MAX 10??
flightglobal.com