A Hamburg Hangover

From the Control Tower

Perhaps the show floor seemed a bit calmer than in prior years - the aisles between the booths could be reasonably navigated - but there was still plenty happening in Hamburg at AIX 2024.

I picked some of the highlights to share in this week's newsletter, but there are a bunch more stories to read on the PaxEx.Aero AIX 2024 page.

The week also meant uncovering a few exclusive stories, reported for PaxEx.Aero Premium subscribers. If you're not yet a subscriber there's a 30% discount for new Personal or Business annual plans using code AIX24 at signup. And if you work for an airline there's an even better offer available; just email me for details.

Connectivity

SES Open Orbits brings multi-constellation, multi-orbit Ka-band connectivity together on a global scale

SES will bring together a collective of Ka-band capacity providers under its Open Orbits program, providing a new type of competition in the global inflight connectivity market.

Starlink sees Qatar Airways, airBaltic both online by end of year, architecture changes beyond

Both Qatar Airways and airBaltic expect to have their first few planes flying with Starlink internet before the end of the year. Expectations beyond that are even more interesting.

Intelsat, JAL partner on LEO/GEO connectivity

Japan Airlines will continue its inflight connectivity partnership with Intelsat, adding service on its 737 MAX fleet from 2026. This deal, however, comes with a multi-orbit twist.

Intelsat also announced a deal for Condor's upcoming A320neo-family.

Viasat plans dual-modem modman for (eventual) constellation flexibility

Viasat finally has a formal plan for airlines to integrate access across its two satellite networks: A new dual-modem ModMan is coming as part of the standard install kit.

In-Flight Entertainment

Thales FlytEDGE delivers a new paradigm for in-flight entertainment

Pitched as the first connected, cloud-based IFE system, Thales' FlytEDGE promises a new level of content personalization as an engagement platform, not just an entertainment server.

Inflight Dublin snags order-to-seat deal with AirAsia

Inflight Dublin has a new partner for payments prcessing in Asia, and a very airline launch customer to go with it.

Also in the wireless IFE space, FFLYA did a deal with Bluebox and AirFi snagged a trial with IndiGo.

Air Arabia expands wireless entertainment with PAC partnership

Air Arabia is going fleet-wide with wireless entertainment. The carrier will expand its deployment of the Panasonic Avionics eXW solution to more than 170 planes.

Cabin Design

Collins, Panasonic launch Maya: next-gen business class concept seat

The Maya business class concept seat shows off an immersive (and borderline overwhelming) entertainment experience paired with dynamic seating adjustments from Collins Aerospace and Panasonic Avionics.

Southwest shows off customizations for new Recaro seats

Southwest's new seats will include a few custom options, beyond the base offering from Recaro.

Feeling the squeeze: 10-abreast A350 moves closer to mainstream

Wider seats have long been part of the Airbus marketing push. That messaging has, however, shifted in recent years, with a narrower seat now seen as "standard" for the long-haul fleet. Now suppliers are feeling a bit of the squeeze as well.

Other Industry News

Airlines Are Mastering the Dark Art of the Upsell

Airlines have long promised their investors increased revenues through ancillary offerings. And the drip pricing associated with that process. This is a good take from the WSJ on how they're finally getting better at it, even if it is extra annoying for passengers.