From the Control Tower
Inside Southwest's new cabin
Come take a seat in the newest cabin layout for Southwest Airlines, including assigned seats for the first time in 53 years of flying.
Plus, some additional discussion on other changes the company is making and details from the investor presentation announcing the new efforts.
Connectivity
JAL brings more Wi-Fi to more passengers for free
Japan Airlines continues to improve its inflight Wi-Fi offering, with more planes now offering fast and free connectivity to travelers on both domestic and international routes.
Air France taps Starlink for IFC update
Air France is all-in on Starlink. The carrier confirmed today it will the LEO satellite internet service on board from 2025.
A roughly perfect Azul experience, yet I was still disappointed
It was on the balance, a pretty darn good flight. And yet I sill walked off the Azul jet in Brasilia a bit disappointed.
Gogo snags Satcom Direct in BizAv connectivity consolidation play
Gogo will acquire Satcom Direct, bringing significant consolidation to the business aviation inflight connectivity market.
Gogo books four years of OneWeb capacity for Galileo BizAv offering
Gogo will commit more than $50 million over four years to purchase satellite capacity on the OneWeb constellation for its BizAv customers
Cabin Design
Thompson Aero unveils VantageNOVA, a flexible business class seating line
Thompson Aero continues to innovate the business class seating market, launching its flexible, higher-density VantageNOVA line.
Loyalty
Emirates launches UAE co-brand cards with many benefits, even more fine print
Emirates is making moves in the cobrand credit card space, adding a new option for UAE residents. The two new cards, issued by HSBC, offer an interesting collection of benefits and a LOT of fine print.
Other Industry News
Delta CEO Talks July Meltdown, Teases New Routes & Delta One Lounges
In Minneapolis Delta CEO Ed Bastian shed light on the airline's plans for new long-haul routes, additional Delta One Lounges, and a brewing partnership.
A new potential option for NYC heli-transfer service
A very experienced operator is looking to change its approach to the New York City market, selling direct to consumers and bypassing BLADE's middleman play.
Cathay taps into DFW
Cathay Pacific will serve Dallas-Fort Worth beginning next summer, part of a shifting rebuild in its North American network.