From the Control Tower
Kuiper scored its first commercial aero commitment last week, which is big news. But it ended up not even being the biggest IFEC news of that day, much less the week overall. Mostly because it is still a couple years away, and in this industry anything can happen in a couple years, both good and bad. Also, Southwest's announcement will impact many, many, many more people and almost immediately.
Still, it is clear providers are shifting, adjusting to new demands. Service offerings are maturing. And customers demand ever more.
That's going to be a key talking point at APEX EXPO this week. I'll be moderating two panel discussions about IFE/C on Wednesday and around all week on the show floor. Hopefully I'll see some of you there.
PaxExTRA by PaxEx.Aero
Connectivity
Southwest Wi-Fi Goes Free
Southwest Airlines is switching to free Wi-Fi on board from 24 October 2025.
paxex.aero
JetBlue, Kuiper Team for Next-Gen Inflight Internet
More than a decade after introducing fast, free Wi-Fi, JetBlue is refreshing the Fly-Fi experience as the first airline to sign a deal with Amazon's Kuiper program.
paxex.aero
New PAC Portal Option Expands Connectivity Convenience
Panasonic Avionics' newest portal offering gives airlines "complete autonomy" over the user experience, delivering a flexible and customizable solution while removing many of the friction points of prior versions.
paxex.aero
Cabin Design
New Seats, Starlink Wi-Fi Now Flying on Air France HOP!
Air France's regional subsidiary HOP! officially launched flights on its first refreshed E190 fleet this week, bringing new inflight internet online and new seats into service.
paxex.aero
Pro Readout: an update on Lufthansa Allegris, including plans for the 787, 777, 747-8, A350 & A380
As the Lufthansa Group “disintegrates” its cross-airline FICE cabins team, we quiz the airline in detail on the arrival of “some of” its 787s, plans for its A380s, full details of the 747-8 refit, and an update to the 2025–26 Allegris timeline.
theupfront.media
Qantas Expands XLR Fleet, Plans Lie-flat Beds
Qantas will expand its A321XLR fleet from 2028, including plans to change the way the aircraft are used in its operations.
paxex.aero
Other Industry News
Spirit Returns to Chapter 11
Spirit Airlines was back in court over the weekend, once again seeking the protections of the US Bankruptcy Code, a move it claims was forced by a business partner.
paxex.aero