How much MAX is too much?

From the Control Tower

The MAX 9 is back in the air after Boeing and the FAA agreed on an inspection plan for the door plugs. I didn't write much about that news cycle, mostly because plenty of other people were covering it just fine. But there are still a few questions about how the decisions were made and why many planes were not grounded that I'd love to see answered. Alas, I know that will never happen.

On a more positive note, more IFC upgrades and installs are happening, which I always enjoy.

Connectivity

Starlink flying on SpaceX’s new 737-800

SpaceX has a new private jet, and it appears to be flying with the Starlink inflight internet services on board.

Another IFC upgrade underway

Another long-awaited inflight connectivity upgrade appears to be underway, this time in Asia.

Swiss, Lufthansa, Austrian set for EAN inflight internet installs

It is a move more than eight years in the making: Lufthansa Group is set to install Viasat's European Aviation Network (EAN) inflight connectivity solution on its fleet.

Other Industry News

DOT orders termination of Delta, Aeromexico partnership

Delta Air Lines and Aeromexico will not be permitted to renew their cross-border joint operations. And it is all about access at MEX.

Airbus Hunts for Delivery Slots for United Airlines to Win Over Boeing Customer

United bet big on Boeing for its fleet, with hundreds of single-aisle planes expected in the years ahead. But with the MAX 10 already significantly delayed, and a number of the planes it is supposed to replace, especially the premium domestic operations, showing their age, Airbus might have a chance. If it can deliver the aircraft.

Now the airframer is seeking to persuade customers to return some aircraft delivery slots that it could then hand over to United for the rare chance to snatch a marquee order away from Boeing.

American snags slots for JFK-Haneda service

American Airlines secured the necessary authorities to launch service between New York City and Tokyo, beating out United Airlines. Ultimately, the US Department of Transportation favored American's offering as an incremental add of service rather than a shift of existing capacity.