Connectivity
United, T-Mobile activate complimentary WiFi on board
United Airlines is, once again, a partner in the T-Mobile inflight wifi program. The expanded relationship, first tipped two weeks ago, takes effect today. T-Mobile subscribers on eligible plans will receive access to the streaming level connectivity service on select domestic and short-haul international United flights.
paxex.aero
SkyFive, Safran Passenger Innovations push forward on connectivity in China
High speed inflight connectivity over China took another step forward earlier this month, as Safran Passenger Innovations (SPI) and SkyFive announced a partnership to integrate their services for airlines. The SkyFive air-to-ground networking hardware will connect to SPI's RAVE on-board platform, with promises of incredibly high speed, low latency service to passengers.
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Wizz Air expands fflya functionality with live credit card processing
Realtime credit card processing is now available on the fflya platform, extending the capabilities of the Bluetooth-based inflight connectivity solution. The service was demonstrated on a Wizz Air A321 as part of the ongoing deployment trial with that carrier.
paxex.aero
Cabin Design
MOST launches new mobile retailing platform
MOST, a new provider of intuitive and customized retail and payment solutions, is looking to shake up the mobility sector. The company launched a suite of payment solutions that support retail platforms, helping businesses capture more revenue in an increasingly cashless economy, including airline cabins.
paxex.aero
American launches Flagship Suites, retires Flagship First
Flagship First Class is dead. Long live the Flagship Suite. American Airlines will introduce a new Flagship Suite seat to its long haul fleet from 2024. With that move, the carrier's Flagship First class cabin will be no more.
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Loyalty
Rapid Rewards targets elites with A-List bonus activity
Call it another sign that travel habits shifted over the past couple years. Southwest Airlines has run, in quick succession, a pair of promotions seeking to boost its Rapid Rewards loyalty program with elite status for 2023 now easier to come by. The moves come despite a general return of travel and strong revenue numbers in recent months.
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Other Industry News
Biden administration seeks new rules on airline fee disclosures
A proposed rule would require airlines and online travel agencies to disclose fees like those for advanced seat selection, checked baggage and other add-ons.
cnbc.com
All-electric Eviation Alice takes 1st flight \\
The battery-powered Eviation Alice has flown for the first time. The nine-seat aircraft, powered by twin electric propeller motors assembled by Eviation’s sister company, magniX, rotated up and took off into a sky hazy from forest fires shortly after sunrise in the Pacific Time Zone, a little after 7 a.m.
leehamnews.com