Shaving weight, securing connections

From the Control Tower

Coming back from vacation is never easy, but the bevy of IFE/C and interiors content the past few weeks has been well worth the wait to catch up on. Whether it is new deals signed (at least 3!) for IFC or a new aircraft cabin layout (one weight-saving change for Delta), there's always something interesting happening in the industry.

Connectivity

Air New Zealand to trial Starlink on domestic fleet

Air New Zealand will trial SpaceX's Starlink inflight internet service on its domestic fleet. The carrier plans to install the system on an ATR turboprop and an A320 in late 2024 as part of the program.

Aerolineas Argentinas taps Intelsat for LEO/GEO inflight internet

ESAs are not just for regional jets. That is one of the key messages coming out of Argentina this week, as Intelsat and Aerolineas Argentinas team up to add inflight connectivity to part of the carrier's fleet.

How I Turned an Airplane Into My Office for a Week

The Messenger's airlines reporter tried out a remote work alternative, putting onboard wifi to the test on multiple flights for a week.

American taps Intelsat for high speed Wi-Fi on regional fleet

American Airlines will upgrade the inflight internet on its regional jet fleet over the next two years. The carrier selected Intelsat to provide high-speed satellite-based service to just under 500 of the smaller jets.

SD’s Plane Simple Ka-band terminal passes DO-160 milestone

After more than 400 hours of flight testing the Plane Simple Ka-band terminal from Satcom Direct secured DO-160 approval, moving it closer to commercial availability of the in-flight connectivity hardware early in 2024.

In-Flight Entertainment

South African Airways selects Inflight Dublin for entertainment boost

Passengers on South African Airways' widebody aircraft now have access to a brad range of inflight entertainment, thanks to a new content deal with Inflight Dublin. And the single-aisle fleet will also soon have entertainment on board, as the carrier rolls out the Everhub portable IFE solution.

Cyprus Airways selects AirFi for IFE, inflight sales

Cyprus Airways plans to boost its inflight experience, adding a streaming entertainment platform on board its A220 and A320 fleet, thanks to the AirFi wireless IFE solution.

Burrana’s RISE USB power joins Airbus BFE catalog

Burrana's RISE in-seat USB power solution is now part of the Airbus line-fit catalog for the A320neo family of aircraft.

'Barbie,' 'Elf' and the $500 Million Battle for In-Flight Entertainment

Earning flier loyalty through movies and TV is a big-money question for airlines. Here’s how they pick their lineups.

Cabin Design

Delta plans "High J" config for A350 fleet

Delta Air Lines appears set to add more business class seats to its A350s in an upcoming layout, set to fly in mid-2024.

Loyalty

Chaos At Domino’s After Free Pizza Glitch Goes Viral

At this point anyone running a loyalty program who doesn't immediately think, "how are people going to try to exploit this?" when launching a promo probably deserves the mess they make. Not expiring a coupon code after use is amateur stuff.

Other Industry News

JSX to shift from Phoenix to Scottsdale

JSX is doubling down on its private terminal experience for passengers in the Phoenix area. Passengers will fly to/from Scottsdale rather than Sky Harbor from 10 January 2024.

Alaska Airlines welcomes complexity with Hawaiian Airlines acquisition

Alaska Airlines will buy Hawaiian Airlines for $1.9 billion in a cash transaction. Unlike most other mergers, however, the company plans to embrace the complexity of multiple product offerings as it intends to keep both the Hawaiian and Alaska brands in service.