To stream, or not to stream, that is the question

From the Control Tower

Is it time to add streaming entertainment content on board or to remove it. Both are happening, though the reasoning differs just enough that both might also make sense.

Connectivity

CesiumAstro brings Ka-band ESA to life; Airbus trials planned

CesiumAstro has a lot of experience delivering phased array antenna solutions in space. Now it wants to bring that hardware a bit closer to earth. The company announced a new Ka-band electronically steered antenna (ESA) platform at Satellite 2023, including plans for the commercial aviation sector.

In-Flight Entertainment

Delta retires streaming entertainment option

For years Delta Air Lines highlighted its on-board content library as a valuable part of the inflight entertainment offering. Turns out scant few passengers streamed anything on shorter flights, however, and now the carrier is shedding that cost.

AirFi goes live on Bhutan Airlines

The best entertainment on a flight in or out of Paro, Bhutan arguably comes from the majestic Himalayan mountains just outside. But travelers looking for a bit more on board now have another option, as Bhutan Airlines launches its new streaming entertainment platform, in partnership with AirFi.

Cabin Design

Finnair trims inflight services in cost-cutting push

Finnair's "shortcut" connection between Europe and the far east via Helsinki is no longer compelling and it has scrambled to rebuild its operations given the new normal. That now includes cuts to the inflight catering, including a switch to buy-on-board for the second meal on two long-haul routes.

Bringing dedicated crew rest to the single-aisle market

Long flights bring many challenges to airlines. Among them, what about crew rest? Diehl has a new option that could help.

EVA Air is Bringing Back Hello Kitty-Themed Flights, Including to the US!

After a three-year pause, EVA Air is officially bringing back its famous (and hilariously over the top) Hello Kitty-themed flights.

Other Industry News

Red Way launches with Lincoln, Nebraska hub

Lincoln, Nebraska is the proud home of the newest (almost) airline to launch in the United States. Red Way will launch service as a public charter operator, with service slated for liftoff in June 2023.

FAA admits staffing issues, asks airlines for help

The US Government spent plenty of time in recent months chiding airlines for scheduling flights they ultimately did not have the staff to operate. Now the FAA now admits that it, too, has staffing issues, and it needs help from the airlines.

JetBlue secures Amsterdam slots, for now

JetBlue secured slots for flights to Amsterdam this summer, just five weeks after initiating a regulatory complaint against Dutch authorities. While the airline seems likely to launch the route, it is not yet willing to drop the complaint, owing to details around the type of slots it received.

American’s Reckless NDC Push Delivers a Blow to the Future of Travel Sales

American Airlines is all in on NDC for its corporate customers. Alas, it is not clear that the customers (and their suppliers) are going to be able to handle the shift.