From the Control Tower
Multiple carriers getting on the free inflight messaging bandwagon last week certainly makes it look like a winning trend.
Plus, the Dubai Air Show is happening this week, so we're keeping an eye on the developments. Mega orders are expected, but what about all the systems that go in those new planes to improve the passenger experience??
Connectivity
Slower upgrade pacing hits Gogo’s hardware deliveries
Gogo has, once again, revised its revenue guidance lower for 2023. The company now expects 2023 full year revenue between $390-400 million, down from a forecast $440-455 million forecast at the beginning of the year.
Aero activates Starlink inflight internet on E135 fleet
Scheduled charter operator Aero now provides fast, free Wi-Fi to all its passengers. The company activated the Starlink inflight internet service on its Embraer E135 aircraft this week.
Vistara makes inflight messaging free
Inflight messaging services can now be accessed for free on board Vistara's connected fleet of 787-9 and A321neo aircraft, thanks to a partnership with the Club Vistara loyalty program
Panasonic Avionics picks Superbird-9 to further extend GEO capacity
Panasonic Avionics continues to boost its satellite capacity, securing access to the SKY Perfect JSAT Superbird-9 satellite for high throughput services focused on traffic over and around Japan.
Lufthansa joins the free inflight messaging bandwagon
Lufthansa is the latest airline to add a free inflight internet tier. And, like the others, it has tied the shift to membership in its loyalty program.
In-Flight Entertainment
Inflight Dublin, Soft Space team for expanded inflight retail, payments solutions
Inflight Dublin has long pitched its Everhub solution as a platform for inflight entertainment and commerce. This week it extends that platform once again, integrating the FassPOS point-of-sale offering from Malaysian fintech company Soft Space.
Viasat, Telekom extend EAN contract
For years Viasat worked to beat the European Aviation Network, both through commercial and legal channels. Now that it owns EAN, however, the company is keen to extend and expand the offering in partnership with the terrestrial provider Deutsche Telekom.
Sponsored Link
The new TheAirchive.Net - The Hub of Air Transport History, has arrived
With new, flying colors. To celebrate 20 years since its inauguration in 2003, the site has been upgraded with over 60,000 items of #AvGeek Goodness: vintage timetables, route maps, rare brochures, airport terminals, airplane cabins, cockpits, maintenance bases, virtual tours of airline headquarters, aviation museums, aircraft OEM final assembly lines, airplane boneyards, airline model collections, safety cards, menus, and of course special flights and events.
Loyalty
United Airlines tweaks frequent flyer program to reward spending
United is making a big deal about not changing much in its MileagePlus program for 2024. The couple changes announced are mostly favorable for those pursuing elite status, particularly via credit card spend.
Other Industry News
American, United vie for Haneda slot
American and United are all-in on their push to grab a slot at Haneda. And they took very different approaches to positioning themselves in the market.