Connectivity
Swiss introduces free messaging, cheaper inflight connectivity packages
One of the most expensive inflight internet services is about to become massively more affordable. Swiss is dramatically revamping its inflight connectivity pricing, including introducing a free messaging tier.
paxex.aero
Hughes JUPITER 3 Satellite Successfully Launches, Heralds the Start of a New Era of Connectivity
JUPITER 3 is now in space, following a successful Falcon Heavy launch. The satellite joins the JUPITER constellation, doubling its capacity for mobility services.
prnewswire.com
Gogo 5G takes a year delay on additional chip flaws
The Gogo 5G service will, once again, be delayed. The company announced a design error which must be resolved prior to deployment. Gogo 5G is now expected to go live in mid-2024, pending resolution of the chip flaws.
paxex.aero
Astranis Arcturus microGEO failure pushes back on Anuvu's schedule
Satellite failures are rare. But when they happen the impact can be massive. Astranis and Anuvu aim to avoid that, while working to understand problems on Arcturus, the first microGEO satellite to orbit.
paxex.aero
Eutelsat 10B enters service
Inflight and maritime connectivity secured a boost in capacity from the North Atlantic to the Indian Ocean last week as Eutelsat 10B entered service.
paxex.aero
Cabin Design
DOT finalizes single-aisle accessible lavatory rules
Some new single-aisle aircraft will be required to have an accessible lavatory. While this is somewhat good news for accessibility on board, it remains limited, both in aircraft size covered and in timing.
paxex.aero
Korean Air plans mini-suites for 787-10, 777-300ER
Korean Air will introduce a new business class suite as part of the 787-10 induction, with service entry planned for November 2023.
paxex.aero
Other Industry News
United Starts to Follow American by Pulling Fares From Traditional Third Party Channels
United has been taking a very cautious approach with its NDC strategy. The airline has left all fares to be sold through traditional third parties as long as the old EDIFACT system could support them, and that is a big caveat. After all, EDIFACT requires there to be an array of fares filed that correspond to different booking classes. If a booking class is available, then that fare can be sold. If the booking class isn’t available, then it goes up to the next lowest fare.
crankyflier.com