Done deals in Dubai

From the Control Tower

Boeing has plenty to be thankful for, as the company announced some major deals during the Dubai Air Show last week. Airbus made far less noise, but still scored a couple decent contracts, and a major IFEC milestone. Other suppliers were also celebrating, with component deals to the tune of billions of dollars announced.

And it is Thanksgiving on Thursday, so hopefully not too much news ahead, especially as I'm supposed to be on vacation the next couple weeks.

Connectivity

Airbus hits 125 aircraft commitment milestone for HBCplus Ka-band connectivity

The Airbus HBCplus inflight internet offering is accelerating, with 125 aircraft now contracted for Ka-band connectivity through the OEM-managed program. Deliveries of the fitted aircraft have already begun.

Safran snags massive contract for Emirates fleet fittings

Safran secured a (not really) billion dollar commitment from Emirates to fit the carrier's fleet over the decade ahead.

In-Flight Entertainment

Egyptair taps Panasonic Avionics for IFE/C on new A350 fleet

Egyptair's new long-haul fleet will fly with updated entertainment and connectivity services from Panasonic Avionics on its new A350 fleet. The carrier ordered 10 of the A350-900s at the 2023 Dubai Air Show, with deliveries expected from 2025.

Loyalty

Alaska announces unified award charts

It is not a truly unified award chart, but the updated Alaska Mileage Plan program gets rid of differences in rates between partner carriers and shifts to a distance-based program. Those are two massive shifts for what is considered one of the last OG loyalty programs operating like they did 20ish years ago.

Other Industry News

Connect Airlines grounded as Waltzing Matilda Certificate Authorities revoked

After more than two and a half years of working towards certification, Connect Airlines is back to square one. The carrier's Certificate Authorities for interstate and foreign scheduled passenger services have been revoked by the Department of Transportation for dormancy.

Ethiopian targets major growth with Boeing, Airbus orders in Dubai

Ethiopian Airlines plans a big boost to its fleet, with multiple orders announced at the 2023 Dubai Air Show. The carrier will add both Airbus and Boeing jets to its fleet as it pursues significant growth through its Vision 2035 Strategy.

flydubai spreads its wings with 787 order

Flydubai is ready to grow in a new direction. The carrier will add wide-body aircraft to its fleet for the first time, with an order for 30 787-9 Dreamliners announced at the 2023 Dubai Air Show.

Paris’s Olympic flying taxi plans hit city council setback

Is there a market for flying taxis? Or are they "a totally useless, hyper-polluting gimmick for a few ultra-privileged people in a hurry," as one Parisian official described them.

Some very real questions about emissions and other considerations as Paris moves towards a decision about whether the service will operate during next year's Olympics.

Emirates boosts long-haul fleet with mega order

Emirates will add 95 more Boeing wide-body aircraft to its fleet over the next decade, further extending its opportunity to either refresh and replace older aircraft, or to grow its fleet. The order was announced Monday on the opening day of the 2023 Dubai Air Show.

AirBaltic to double A220 fleet

AirBaltic will double down on that A220-300 as the backbone of its fleet. The carrier announced a firm order for 30 more aircraft, plus 20 options, at the 2023 Dubai Air Show this week.