Connectivity
United’s first Starlink plane fitted
United's first regional jet is now fitted with the Starlink inflight internet service. It is the first of more than 1,000 planes the airline plans to fit with the new satellite-based service.
paxex.aero
SkyFive, Akses Prima Team for IFC in Indonesia
A new air-to-ground inflight internet option is coming to Indonesia. SkyFive and Akses Prima Indonesia (API) will partner to bring the service online.
paxex.aero
In-Flight Entertainment
Thales and Qatar Airways Sign Memorandum of Understanding to Develop Local Service Hub in Doha
Building out a local support hub is the price to play in the Middle East (and that's probably not a bad thing). Thales is the latest to get on board, building out an operation in Doha.
thalesgroup.com
Thai Airways, AirAsia ban power banks being used on flights
This is going to be a mess for passengers, particularly given the inconsistency of the rules.
executivetraveller.com
Other Industry News
American Airlines asks US Supreme Court to reverse ruling barring JetBlue alliance
American's fight for its Northeast Alliance with JetBlue continues through the courts, even if it will likely never be consummated in real life.
reuters.com
IATA: US federal worker layoffs and their potential impacts
The net effect of this stylized case of 300,000 fired federal workers would be a negative USD 87 billion [USD 35 bn – USD 3 bn – USD 119 bn], not including the second-round effects stemming from reduced government services. That would be an outcome that is bad for everybody.
iata.org
As Uncertainty Reigns Over Washington, American Cuts Back
To say it has been a whirlwind month for those who live in Washington, DC would be an understatement. Now, American is pulling back at its primary airport in the region, Washington/National, or DCA.
crankyflier.com
REGENT Begins Sea Trials of First Passenger-Carrying Seaglider
Still a ways to go to a full size craft ready to carry passengers. But REGENT has hardware on the water today, moving in that direction.
regentcraft.com