Connectivity
AT&T adds inflight roaming option with Aeromobile, Panasonic Avionics
AT&T's International Day Pass roaming plan is taking to the skies. The company signed an agreement with Panasonic Avionics subsidiary Aeromobile to deliver roaming services on board.
paxex.aero
EASA and FAA join forces to present new roadmap for air-ground connectivity
The European Union Aviation Safety Agency (EASA) and the Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) have launched a joint cooperation initiative to rethink aviation connectivity, publishing a White Paper proposal for the modernisation and harmonisation of the aviation data communication landscape by 2035. The exchanges are currently supported by a set of technologies that rely to a large extent on limited-bandwidth links, such as Very High Frequency (VHF) datalink and first-generation aviation SATCOM. While these technologies have served the aviation community well for decades, the systems as currently deployed are fragmented and not always interoperable. There is a need to look to the future and bring the system up to modern-day standards making use of technologies such as broadband.
europa.eu
In-Flight Entertainment
Qatar Airways to live-stream FIFA World Cup on board
Qatar Airways passengers will have access to FIFA World Cup matches live in flight, thanks to a partnership between Panasonic Avionics, Inmarsat, and IMG's Sport24.
paxex.aero
AirFi delivers inflight retail for AirAsia (and more)
AirAsia selected the AirFi wireless platform to boost inflight retail sales and entertainment options on board. The carrier has long offered a digital on-board experience across parts of its fleet. Plus, a few other airline customers coming online.
paxex.aero
Cabin Design
Recaro selected for Lufthansa long-haul economy seating refresh
Recaro will provide the economy class seats for Lufthansa's new "Allegris" cabin refresh program. The company announced it secured the order for nearly 24,000 CL3710 and CL3810 seats to equip just under 100 Lufthansa and Swiss planes. The first seats will be delivered in Q4 2022.
paxex.aero
Loyalty
Star Alliance, HSBC launch an Australian credit card
The new Star Alliance credit card, first teased in May of this year, is now live in Australia. Launched in partnership with HSBC, the first of its kind co-brand credit card allows members to earn Star Alliance Points and elite status with seven partner airline loyalty programs.
paxex.aero
Other Industry News
JetBlue pick Paris for Transatlantic growth
Next up across the Atlantic for JetBlue: Paris. The carrier announced the French capital as its second transatlantic market, with service planned to launch in Summer 2023. Flights to Charles de Gaulle Airport will initially operate from JetBlue's main hub at New York's JFK airport, with flights from Boston following.
paxex.aero
GoWild! with unlimited* flight pass from Frontier
Frontier Airlines is getting into the subscription flight pass business. The carrier formally launched its GoWild! Pass, touting access to the carrier's entire US route network for a full year. The pass is priced at $599 to start for a limited number of buyers. After that – and for renewals – it prices at $1999 per year.
paxex.aero
Engine woes ground most of Air Tanzania's Airbus A220s
East African carrier Air Tanzania has no timeline for the resolution of technical problems that affect the Pratt & Whitney engines on its four Airbus A220 aircraft. And the carrier is not alone in facing these engine issues.
airinsight.com
Virgin Atlantic withdraws support for Heathrow third runway
Turns out costs matter more than the extra access Virgin Atlantic believes it can score with an expansion at Heathrow
theguardian.com