Connectivity
Singapore Airlines Selects Starlink for Long-haul Internet Upgrade
Singapore Airlines will fit its A350 and A380 fleet with Starlink's inflight internet service with installation slated to begin in Q1 2027.
paxex.aero
Splitting the Difference: Dramatically Different Takes on a Shifting IFC Market
Two current IFC providers are taking very different paths in the face of LEO connectivity evolving "faster and differently" than expected. Whether they arrive at the same outcome will be very interesting to see.
paxex.aero
ViaSat-3 APAC Launches Successfully
On Thursday morning the third ViaSat-3 satellite successfully lifted off from the Kennedy Space Center on a Falcon Heavy rocket, marking a major milestone in the very important (and rather delayed) program to massively boost capacity in GEO orbit.
paxex.aero
In Search of the World’s Fastest In-Flight Wi-Fi
Ookla - the company behind speedtest.net - has some interesting analysis out about inflight internet performance. It has a bunch of errors (did you know that SITAONAIR is an air-to-ground provider?!?) and draws bad conclusions based on the number of tests run rather than where the kit is actually installed. But the performance numbers are generally hard to argue. And there's a clear split between Starlink and everyone else on that front.
I'm not entirely convinced it matters after a certain point, and there are plenty of games to be played with speed test numbers, but the numbers are interesting.
ookla.com
In-Flight Entertainment
SCAT Airlines Picks Flymingo for Digital Inflight Upgrade
SCAT Airlines is boosting the inflight digital experience, for passengers and crew, thanks to a newly implemented partnership with Moment.
paxex.aero
Delta, United Boost Inflight Content, Streaming Options with FOX One and Peacock
Delta and United continue to add content options in flight, though with different approaches which highlight the benefits - and challenges - of connected IFE platforms.
paxex.aero
Cabin Design
AirAsia Goes Big–and Wants Bigger–with Airbus A220 Order
The top-line numbers are impressive: 150 A220s to be delivered to AirAsia in the years ahead. Behind the headlines, however, are a few very interesting stories, as is often the case when Tony Fernandes is involved.
paxex.aero
Other Industry News
Flight Review: Alaska Airlines Inaugural to Rome
Alaska Airlines launched its first service to Europe, introducing a new soft product with lots of potential, but still a few kinks to work out.
businesstraveller.com
European Passengers Secure Some Fuel Shortage Protections
European regulators made clear this week that airlines are expected to honor EU261 and other passenger rights rules, even if fuel prices spike as a result of the US and Israeli war with Iran.
paxex.aero
Spirit Airlines Halts Operations
Spirit Airlines, facing an unprecedented spike in fuel prices against the backdrop of two bankruptcy filings in less than 12 months, halted operations early Saturday morning.
paxex.aero