Premium plays in the Middle East

From the Control Tower

Finalists for 2023 Crystal Cabin Awards represent the future of passenger comfort

What does it take to bring comfort to the skies as air travel rebounds? The 21 finalists for the 2023 Crystal Cabin Awards offer insight into what it will take to to make air travel more safe, connected and comfortable.

Connectivity

Air Canada brings free messaging online, expands live TV coverage

Air Canada plans a big boost to its WiFi offerings on board, including a free messaging for travelers. Live television access on board is also expanding.

Gogo pays down debt, reports record quarterly service revenue

Gogo notified debtors of its intention to pay off $100 million of outstanding debt, a move that will help the company reduce its long-term interest expenses.

ViaSat-3 Americas launches successfully

The first ViaSat-3 satellite successfully launched from Cape Canaveral on Sunday night, beginning its short ride to geostationary orbit where it will open the next generation of satellite communications, including the inflight market.

In-Flight Entertainment

Panasonic brings 3D audio to the skies on Astrova IFE platform

Most conversations around inflight entertainment focus on the video capabilities of the systems. As part of its new Astrova line of IFE hardware, Panasonic Avionics plans to address the audio quality as well.

Cabin Design

Saudia picks Vantage Solo for A321XLR

Saudia will bring lie-flat seats to the premium cabin of its A321XLR fleet. The carrier unveiled its new product – based on the Thompson Aero Vantage Solo – at the Arabian Travel Mart in Dubai this week.

Etihad upgrades Business Studio for new 787s, adds Viasat internet

Etihad will launch an updated version of its Business Studio seat on the 787 Dreamliner fleet beginning later this year. Suite doors are included, as is inflight internet from Viasat.

flyDubai introduces Business Suite lie-flat for 737 MAX

flyDubai has renewed its commitment to the premium cabin experience with "The Business Suite," a new flat-bed "offering passengers added comfort, privacy and an exceptional onboard experience."

Other Industry News

Breeze plans Mexico service in a very crowded market

Breeze is ready to make a run for the border. The carrier has applied to the US Department of Transportation for permission to fly to Mexico.

Instead of the State Flag, Southwest Honors Hawai’i with a Different Kind of Special Livery

Overall, this airplane tells a story about Hawai’i and its people. The tradition of storytelling in Hawai’i historically used all sorts of methods from song to spoken word and dance, but now Southwest has decided to put this into its aircraft, carrying the story all over the US.

Delta looks to flex at Haneda

In 2019 Delta Air Lines won big in the Haneda slot allocations. Four years later, however, the carrier sees dramatically different demand patterns and is seeking permission from the US Department of Transportation to alter its gateway cities, without going through a new slot allocation proceeding.