From the Control Tower
Typically this would be the point where I write something pithy about 2023, progress of the industry, and hope for the future. Alas, 2024 seems to have different ideas. A pair of major incidents in the first five days of the year will derail a lot of normal plans.
We can celebrate, as an industry, the incredible combination of luck and engineering that left all the passengers on both commercial aircraft alive, though the death of the five Japanese soldiers in that accident certainly is a tragedy. But it is also a reminder that more can and should be done to keep the industry safe and reliable. Like, perhaps, making sure the bolts holding the door plugs on to the aircraft are properly tightened.
Hopefully there's opportunity to get back to the other developments and industry progress quickly. That stuff is way more fun.
PaxExTRA by PaxEx.Aero
Less Artificial, more Intelligence, please!
Even as airlines invest in so-called artificial intelligence-powered systems, they continue to demonstrate the troubles they have with implementing seemingly simple intelligence for their offerings.
paxex.aero
In-Flight Entertainment
Icelandair selects Astrova for A321LR entertainment
Icelandair will install the Astrova inflight entertainment system from Panasonic Avionics (PAC) on its upcoming A321LR fleet. The kit will provide in-seat entertainment from nose-to-tail, as well as several additional services from PAC for content and advertising management.
paxex.aero
Cabin Design
Alaska Airlines takes first 737 MAX 8, plans further cabin retrofits
Alaska Airlines took delivery of its first 737 MAX 8 this week, adding additional range and flexibility to its fleet. In an unusual twist, the interior of the new plane is not what the carrier expects to fly longer term.
paxex.aero
Other Industry News
Lufthansa Group flexes with A220, MAX orders
The Lufthansa Group plans to add the 737 MAX 8 to its fleet before the end of the decade. It will also expand its A220-300 operations and added A320neo options.
paxex.aero
Airlines We Lost 2023
Always worth looking back at the ones we lost, and Brett does a great job tracking it every year.
crankyflier.com
Airbus and Boeing exceed 2023 delivery targets |
Both Airbus and Boeing have met and even exceeded their delivery targets for 2023, though one of those numbers was revised from initial plans.
airinsight.com
Travelers, advocates say airlines can do better for disabled flyers
More than 30 flyers who rely on mobility devices shared their stories of damage by airlines in 2023. Here's what we learned.
usatoday.com
The 3 Biggest US Airlines Took All the Money in a Wild 2023
Delta, American and United will walk away with the bulk of the airline industry profits for 2023
themessenger.com
Air France denied slot usage waiver at JFK
Air France is at risk of losing slots in JFK as the FAA denied a waiver request for reduced flights - something the FAA asked airlines to do - this winter.
paxex.aero