New year, new you for cabins and connectivity

Connectivity

Dragging the competition

Bolting a radome atop an aircraft means more weight, more drag, more fuel burn, and higher emissions. Those are all things airlines typically try to minimize. Which makes some recent conversations about drag differences all the more interesting.

STCs show signs of progress

When it comes to tracking connectivity installations, sometimes regulators share the most useful insights. Taking a look at which STCs have (and have not) been issued lately offers up some details on a few key programs across the industry.

Iridium de-risks LEO-based direct-to-device with Project Stardust

Iridium plans to deliver direct-to-handset communications from its global LEO constellation to cell phones around the world by 2026, choosing open standards rather than its prior proprietary approach.

In-Flight Entertainment

Transparent TVs shine at CES, boost aero potential

Deliberate certification cycles and fickle consumer demand typically leave the aviation industry chasing after consumer technologies, trying to adapt them for inflight use. AERQ is well ahead of that curve, however, with its transparent OLED cabin monument screen.

Cabin Design

Interior refresh coming for Delta’s 737-800s

Photos have emerged revealing the next round of Delta's 737-800 interior upgrades is underway. Approximately 40 aircraft are expected to see the refresh over the next two years, with new seats and updated in-flight entertainment coming on board.

Delta’s transcon A321neo moves closer to delivery

Nearly two years ago we learned that Delta would launch a version of its A321neo in a premium configuration for transcon markets. Those planes are moving closer to delivery, with a critical regulatory filing recently submitted.

Delta snags A350-1000, the only move that makes sense

Delta Air Lines will take deliver of another 20 A350s beginning in 2026, the obvious move for fleet expansion for many, many reasons.

Loyalty

Carrot or stick: American ties more to AAdvantage in 2024 update

The AAdvantage program will be more important for many American Airlines passengers starting later this year, as the carrier details rules and benefits changes.

Other Industry News

Departing JetBlue CEO Robin Hayes Has Little to Show for His Nine Years at the Helm

A brutally honest takedown of the past decade at JetBlue. And lots of questions about what comes next.

JetBlue/Spirit merger blocked on competition, innovation concerns

The US Department of Justice prevailed in its lawsuit against JetBlue and Spirit Airlines, successfully (at least for now) blocking their planned merger. The ruling, handed down on Tuesday, found the merger would likely result in a scenario "unlikely to be sufficient to protect every consumer, in every relevant market from harm."

ATPCO signs Merchandising Deal with SAP Concur, Integrating the Trifecta of Routehappy Content Types into Concur Travel

The latest iteration of Concur's travel booking platform will offer passengers many more details about what to expect on board, thanks to ATPCO's Routehappy content.