Connectivity
Delta confirms fleet-wide commitment to Viasat inflight internet
It has been intimated and implied for roughly two years. Now it is confirmed. Delta Air Lines expects Viasat's inflight internet service to be active across its entire fleet by the end of next year.
Alaska Airlines picks Intelsat for E175 streaming WiFi upgrade
Alaska Airlines will offer "streaming fast" Wi-Fi on its E175 fleet, beginning in 2024. The carrier plans to upgrade those aircraft, extending its longstanding partnership with Intelsat.
More drama for the Jet It connectivity plans
Last week fractional jet operator Jet It announced plans to install Gogo's AVANCE L3 inflight internet offering on board, upgrading and expanding the service available to its customers. Which was particularly surprising given that the company made a similar announcement with SmartSKy nine months prior.
Does ATG have a future in commercial aviation?
Cellular-based air-to-ground technologies brought inflight internet to thousands of aircraft and millions of passengers, first in North America, then in Europe and beyond. And while the technology continues to grow in some markets, some suppliers are more skeptical of its continued value, at least for commercial airlines.
Delta shifts Wi-Fi on new A220s
Delta's newest A220 looks a bit different than the others. The radome atop the fuselage suggests that Delta has shifted inflight internet providers for the type.
Gogo’s 5G chips move to manufacturing
Last August Gogo announced a delay in its Gogo 5G network activation, owing to issues in development of the chipset for its on-board modem. Today the company confirms that those issues are resolved.
Cabin Design
SWISS extends Premium Economy Class to its Airbus A340 fleet
SWISS has begun installing its new Premium Economy Class on its Airbus A340-300 fleet.
Air China launches new A350 business class cabin
An updated business class cabin is now flying with Air China. The carrier's newest A350 has the Recaro CL6720 business class "minisuite" on board, offering increased privacy for passengers.
Other Industry News
The last 747: Boeing workers reflect on an iconic plane like no other
Boeing's 747 made international travel achievable for millions, and shaped the Pacific Northwest. Meet eight of the thousands of people who built the iconic plane.
WestJet in the west, Air Canada in the east: Why Canada's airlines are becoming more regional
The two dominant national airlines are increasingly focusing less on offering nationwide service and more on their regional strengths as they try to improve their financial performance — and also fend off soaring competition.
Russian Regulator Approves Aircraft Cannibalization Amid Sanctions | Aviation Week Network
Russian authorities have again adjusted the domestic continuing airworthiness procedures to help operators cope with sanctions. The Federal Air Transport Agency (Rosaviatsia) has formally given approval to aircraft cannibalization, meaning that parts from grounded airframes can be re-installed on in-service aircraft.
ZeroAvia Makes Aviation History, Flying World’s Largest Aircraft Powered with a Hydrogen-Electric Engine
The leader in zero-emission aviation took to the skies for the maiden flight of its 19-seat Dornier 228 testbed aircraft, retrofitted with a full-size prototype hydrogen-electric powertrain on the left wing of the aircraft.