From the Control Tower
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As Summer 2019 comes to a close the aviation conference circuit is heating up. The MAKS Air Show in Moscow is currently underway while IAFS, also known as the Boyd Conference, kicks off in Las Vegas.
We'll be paying close attention to both events this week, hoping to glean insights into the future of the industry.
PaxExTRA
Connectivity
SmartSky's commercial installations begin
SmartSky‘s push towards launching its air-to-ground inflight connectivity solution took a significant step forward earlier this month. The first commercial aircraft to carry the company’s kit is currently in the shop getting the system installed. The move comes just seven months after the contract was announced and five months after the STC was issued.
paxex.aero
Cabin Design
Mirus reaches linefit milestone for Airbus A320 family
Seating manufacturer Mirus hit a major milestone this week, dispatching its first ship set of seats to Hamburg for installation on an aircraft at the Airbus factory. The seats are expected to be installed on the final assembly line at Finkenwerder next week, with first flight and customer (AirAsia) delivery shortly thereafter.
paxex.aero
Loyalty
Why Marriott's New Dynamic Pricing May Not Leave Bonvoy Members Joyous
Marriott’s new pricing structure will help it better control inventory during high and low seasons — but as a result, some travelers may find it harder to find deals on their favorite vacation properties.
skift.com
More ways for small and medium-sized businesses to soar with Delta SkyBonus
SkyBonus, Delta’s business travel rewards program for small and mid-sized companies, is giving program members new opportunities to accrue and redeem points with partner Virgin Atlantic and to redeem points with partner Korean Air.
delta.com
Other Industry News
FAA Seeking 737 Airline Pilots to Test Software on Grounded Max
U.S. regulators are turning to a variety of Boeing Co. 737 Max pilots, including some with relatively little experience, to help test revamped flight-control software aimed at returning the jetliner to commercial service, according to the agency and people familiar with the matter.
bloomberg.com
United bets big on premium leisure with 2020 transatlantic expansion
When you fly a plane with 30-50% fewer seats than the competition the business case must be incredibly strong. For United Airlines the new 763 High J layout is proving a valuable tool in its transatlantic market expansion, including new routes announced today for 2020.
paxex.aero
Qantas plans London, New York nonstops to Sydney this year
The first flights for Qantas's Project Sunrise will depart far sooner than expected. A trio of test flights later this year will help the carrier make smart choices about service patterns, crew rest and whether the program is really viable after all.
paxex.aero
United, Qantas trim Hong Kong service as unrest continues
The protests in Hong Kong show no signs of slowing and the impact on the travel sector continues to grow. As demand drops so too is capacity into the market, with foreign carriers now adjusting operations to cope.
paxex.aero