From the Control Tower
It seems strange, in some ways, to be writing about increasing inflight connectivity options these days. After all, isn't the competition over, with a new winner crowned and the rest of the industry relegated to picking up scraps (assuming there are any)?? But that's not what's really happening in the market. Maybe foolishly, but the everyone else pool of providers remains impressively active.
PaxExTRA by PaxEx.Aero
Connectivity
Viasat, Telekom Add Serbia Towers for EAN Service Boost
Viasat's European Aviation Network (EAN) now offers better service over Serbia, thanks to some new cell tower activations.
paxex.aero
Panasonic Avionics Adds Spacesail Option for Inflight Internet
Airlines will soon have a LEO option for internet service in China, thanks to a deal between Panasonic Avionics and Spacesail.
paxex.aero
In-Flight Entertainment
A RAVE By Any Other Name…
Safran Passenger Innovations is now RAVE Aerospace, adopting the name of the company's flagship inflight entertainment platform following divestiture from Safran.
paxex.aero
After power bank bans, aviation needs onboard power supply clarity for normal passengers
An excellent read from John about the ever shifting sands of USB-based power supply via IFE systems, and why passengers remain in a state of confusion. Though I'm not even sure there's a way for airlines to deliver a clear answer on what is provided.
theupfront.media
Air France announces new partnership with Apple TV to enhance its in-flight entertainment offer
On all its long-haul flights, Air France now offers access to a selection of Apple TV programs. Still not a full library streaming, though.
airfrance.com
Cabin Design
Economy Plus Seating Now Live on Qantas
Passengers flying with Qantas from 6 February will have access to the carrier's new Economy Plus* cabin layout. The new, paid premium offering will initially be available on the carrier's 737, A220, and A321XLR aircraft.
paxex.aero
Lufthansa Launches A380 Business Class Refresh
Lufthansa will update its A380 business class cabin in the year ahead, while aiming to avoid the mess that the Allegris program brought to other fleet types.
paxex.aero
Other Industry News
American Shifts for Smother Schedules at DFW
Short connections are often challenging for passengers. American Airlines aims to reduce that stress from April 2026 as it adjusts its DFW operations in a major way.
paxex.aero