From the Control Tower
Roughly everyone in the BizAv space had connectivity news to announce at NBAA last week, as expected. But at least one announcement was pulled, and another makes very little sense. Those stories yet to come, but the other bits below are plenty interesting to keep things moving this week.
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Connectivity
Trans-Exec picks Starlink for biz jet internet
Trans-Exec Private Jets will install Starlink for in-flight internet. The SpaceX satellite-based service will be installed on the company's fleet of Gulfstream aircraft.
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Viasat updates pricing plans in BizAv push
Viasat expects to deliver improved inflight connectivity to its business aviation customers from early 2024. This "expanded range of service options," announced at NBAA 2023 in Las Vegas, will be available across a range of antenna terminal hardware
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Gogo adds AirSprint as first Canadian 5G fleet customer
The Gogo 5G network is set to take flight north of the border. The company announced that AirSprint Private Aviation will fit its business jet fleet with the updated systems, including options to add satellite connectivity on some aircraft.
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Porter Airlines expands Viasat commitment for 20 more E195-E2 jets
Porter Airlines will extend its partnership with Viasat for inflight internet. The next 20 Embraer E195-E2 jets will fly with the Viasat hardware on board, joining the initial 30 which also have the satellite wifi service installed.
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Delta activates inflight internet on ex-LATAM A350
With the single-aisle fleet conversion coming to a close, Delta Air Lines is now moving forward with installations of the Viasat inflight internet system across the long-haul fleet. The first A350 to carry the hardware entered service over the weekend.
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In-Flight Entertainment
Delta brings DIRECTV to 767-400s
Delta Air Lines is adding live television to the 767-400 fleet. The carrier will offer 18 channels of content on board, integrated into the in-seat screens.
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Loyalty
Delta softens the blow for Medallion, SkyClub changes
As promised by CEO Ed Bastian, Delta is adjusting the SkyMiles and SkyClub changes it announced just four weeks ago. The revised rules lower the spend requirements and boost long-term loyalty value, among other updates.
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Southwest bucks the trend, eases elite status earning in Rapid Rewards
It is easy to read too much into small changes in airline loyalty programs. But this week's announcement from Southwest Airlines – lowering the qualification requirements for some elite status tiers – could signal a significant shift for the carrier's approach to frequent fliers.
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Other Industry News
United, Hawaiian spar over Haneda night slots
United Airlines and Hawaiian Airlines have something of a smoldering battle ongoing over the ostensibly less valuable night-time operations at Haneda.
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