Clearing the Backlog

From the Control Tower

I'm on vacation this week, but there's a bunch of older stories that never made it into the newsletter. Time to catch up!

BAGTAG Adds Airport Kiosk Integration with Amadeus

The digital baggage tag world continues to evolve, approaching the tipping point of both network reach and functionality. The latest partnership between BAGTAG and Amadeus is a significant step in that direction.

Connectivity

SmartSky Prevails in Gogo Patent Suit

SmartSky prevailed in its patent infringement claims against Gogo, nearly four years after initially filing the case, to the tune of nearly $23 million.

Thai Airways Confirms NSG for Dreamliner IFC

Thai Airways will deploy the Neo Space Group (NSG) Skywaves inflight internet service on its upcoming 787 Dreamliner fleet, expanding it commitment to an improved digital passenger experience.

CesiumAstro Scores Skylark Terminal Testing Agreement with TCI

Antenna manufacturer CesiumAstro is moving towards on-wing testing of its Skylark inflight phased array terminal, thanks to an agreement with TCI Aircraft Interiors.

ViaSat-3 Americas (Take 2) launches successfully

ViaSat-3 F2 is safely on its way to geosynchronous orbit, and CEO Mark Dankberg has some thoughts about what the future of satellite communications, with his company's constellations playing a large role.

In-Flight Entertainment

Axinom Boosts Streaming IFE on Starlink Aircraft

Faster satellite links and lower latency allows airlines to move streaming entertainment solutions off the aircraft and into the cloud. Axinom is helping boost that performance.

China Airlines Adds Immfly Streaming IFE on A330s

China Airlines will boost its regional inflight entertainment offering with a streaming IFE solution on its A330 fleet.

IndiGo Picks Bluebox’s Blueview for A321XLR Inflight Entertainment

IndiGo's next generation of planes will fly with streaming entertainment on board, powered by Bluebox.

Cabin Design

Air Canada Teases Cabin Refresh for MAX Rouge Rollout

Air Canada's new Rouge fleet will keep its premium option as it converts to the 737 MAX. That detail was included in an internal video shared with company employees on Wednesday, along with other bits about the fleet's future.

China Southern Plans New Flagship Interiors, IFE/C for A350, A321neo

China Southern will update its cabin interiors as part of a brand refresh coming to the A350 and A321 fleets, including new partners for business class seats and IFE/C services.

New Pacific, beOnd Team for Premium US Service

Premium leisure airline beOnd plans to expand in the United States, riding the wave of growing premium demand. It will partner with New Pacific to make that happen.

Loyalty

Virgin Atlantic unveils its lifetime loyalty reward!

What if lifetime loyalty doesn't mean flying a ton, but just flying consistently with the same airline over time? Virgin Atlantic wants to find out.

Other Industry News

JetBlue Quietly Drops One-Way Pricing in More Markets

When it launched in 2000 one of JetBlue's key differentiation points was one-way pricing for all trips. Those days, however, are long gone.

San Antonio Threatens Conversion of Southwest Gates to Common Use

San Antonio Airport is threatening to remove Southwest's branding from the check-in lobby and gate areas, the latest escalation in a multi-year battle over fee structures and terminal assignment.

San Antonio Claps Back, Says Southwest Should Stop Worrying (and Pay Up)

Drama continues apace in San Antonio, where the airport and Southwest Airlines are locked in a legal battle over gate assignments and lease rates.

US Government Rejects Mexican Routes, Threatens Additional Cuts

The US Government will disallow operations of a dozen existing and soon-to-be-launched routes from Mexico and proposes termination of belly cargo services to/from Mexico City's Benito Juarez International Airport (MEX) in an escalation of the ongoing aviation battle between the two countries.