Connectivity
Intelsat goes multi-orbit with OneWeb LEO option for airlines
Commercial airlines will soon have another option for in-flight connectivity (IFC) delivered via low earth orbit (LEO) satellites. Intelsat secured a global distribution partnership with OneWeb, allowing for the development of a multi-orbit offering. The partnership builds on Intelsat’s extensive IFC experience and existing geo-stationary (GEO) satellite service, augmented with the OneWeb LEO constellation.
paxex.aero
Gogo sees 5G chip issues delaying deployment
Corporate jets are back in the air, and they're more connected than ever. Gogo's Q2 results indicates a strong rebound in activity for its corporate jet market, boosting revenues. But the company's 5G network upgrade will slip a bit more owing to chip shortages.
paxex.aero
airBaltic teases Starlink in-flight internet consideration
Forget detailed RFP cycles or convoluted consulting agreements. When it comes to considering SpaceX's Starlink as a potential in-flight internet service provider airBaltic CEO Martin Gauss took to Twitter.
paxex.aero
SmartSky completes nationwide network
The SmartSky nation-wide network is now complete. The new air-to-ground in-flight internet solution can deliver connectivity across the continental United States via hundreds of towers.
paxex.aero
FCC cancels Starlink’s $886 million grant
The feds pulled out a major subsidy that was planned for helping fun the Starlink constellation, claiming the system would not deliver speeds as needed to rural users.
arstechnica.com
In-Flight Entertainment
Conetic Group builds lounge and IFEC synergies
Coordinating technology, content, branding, and advertising across airports, lounges, and aircraft is a daunting task for airlines. Often the partners they work with specialize in just one of those areas, meaning extra overhead to bring it all together. The newly established Conetic Group hopes to ease that pain, coalescing a trio of market leaders to cross over those boundaries.
paxex.aero
Cabin Design
Visit of the 1st Air France Boeing 777-300ER equipped with the new Business
An excellent, in-depth look at the new Air France 777 cabin. Including a spring-loaded door for the business class seats, which may prove troubling.
flight-report.com
JetBlue outlines Mint, TATL growth for 2023
New planes are on the way, and JetBlue plans to resume growth in 2023. But the company anticipates a bit of turbulence along the way. With its A220 and A321neo fleets expanding (10 more expected in 2022, 32 in 2023) the company needs to plan for where they will make the most impact on operations.
paxex.aero
What Flying Is Like for Passengers Who Use Wheelchairs
For passengers who use wheelchairs, air travel in the United States (and beyond) can be an embarrassing, uncomfortable and perilous prospect.
nytimes.com
Other Industry News
US airlines delivering less efficient operations
A review of employment numbers and schedules suggests the airlines are up to 20% less efficient than in 2019 on a per-employee basis.
paxex.aero
United Airlines Puts Down Deposit on Flying Taxis
It is, relatively speaking, a tiny amount of cash.
But the fact that any money at all moved is a big sign of confidence in the program and the order.
wsj.com
Schiphol compensates travelers who missed flight due to long queue
Amsterdam Airport Schiphol will introduce a scheme for passengers who were at the airport on time between 23 April 2022 and 11 August 2022, but missed their flight due to an exceptional waiting time at security control.
schiphol.com
Up, up and ‘oh no’: The trouble with air taxi startups
Despite the many mishaps, the FAA says it's still on track to certify a number of the aircraft for carrying passengers by 2024.
seattletimes.com