From the Control Tower
NBAA offered a bit of fun for the BizAv community last week, but I'm looking at APEX EXPO this week for even more headlines, with multiple IFC deals expected to be announced, and maybe a couple new cabin designs, too.
For those who have enjoyed following along with my real-time tweets of trade shows, that's no longer a thing as I'm 99% off X/Twitter these days. Instead the content is on BlueSky, where you can follow me.
PaxExTRA by PaxEx.Aero
Connectivity
Qatar Airways enters its Starlink era, accelerates deployment plans
Qatar Airways' first Starlink-equipped 777 entered service on Tuesday, marking several milestones along the way.
paxex.aero
NEO Space Group ready to make its mark in IFC
It is, most likely, the largest inflight connectivity company you've never heard of. But Saudi Arabia's Neo Space Group (NSG) expects to quickly raise its profile over the year ahead.
paxex.aero
Textron extends Starlink support to smaller types
Textron Aviation announced FAA approval for the installation of a Starlink terminal on its Beechcraft King Air B200 and B300 series and Cessna Citation 560XL series aircraft.
paxex.aero
Apcela set to bring SmartSky network back to life
Don't call it a comeback; Apcela's run the network for years. And now the SmartSky service, which halted operations on 16 August 2024, is set to come back online.
paxex.aero
Viasat Awarded U.S. Air Force DEUCSI Contract for Phased Array Antenna Technology Development
Is Viasat ready to get into the aero ESA market for real? A government contract could help drive that innovation, though it is for the US Air Force initially, not commercial services.
viasat.com
Wheels Up pivots fleet, picks Gogo Galileo for future connectivity
Private jet operator Wheels Up is revamping its fleet and upgrading the inflight internet offering, with the Gogo Galileo HDX solution to be installed on its Phenom and Challenger aircraft.
paxex.aero
Cabin Design
American warns supply chain on retrofit plans
American Airlines' premium cabin updates have slipped to 2025, with a stern warning issued from CEO Robert Isom to suppliers. Plus, no sign of free Wi-Fi anytime soon.
paxex.aero
Other Industry News
Spirit sheds 10% of its fleet, sees success with new premium offerings
Spirit Airlines will shed 23 aircraft over the next 6 months, more than 10% of its fleet, as it cuts capacity and raises capital to stabilize its finances.
paxex.aero
Frontier’s not-quite-hostile booking experience
Should an airline be able to advertise a premium seat bundle when no premium seats are available?
paxex.aero
PLAY pivots to Iceland focus, plans cuts in North America
Iceland's PLAY Airlines saw lower than expected revenue over the summer and will cut several North American destinations as a result.
paxex.aero