24 March 2020

From the Control Tower

It is easy to become overwhelmed by the bad news in the industry today. Airlines are grounding planes faster than we can keep count (more than 70 airlines suspending operations for some period). Those that are still flying are cutting any and all discretionary expenses in a way that makes things look rather bleak for the PaxEx industry. Companies depending on investment from the not-so-long-ago high flying carriers are now looking at a very different reality.

And yet.

There are still companies innovating. There are still companies delivering new products and contracts. There are still companies moving forward. And I'm doing my best to find those bright spots mixed in among the dread.

Connectivity

Gogo looks to ride out coronavirus-related dip in demand

The final few months of 2019 delivered strong numbers for inflight connectivity provider Gogo. The company saw revenues improve in the business aviation and global segments while the North American market held up pretty well. Things continued looking good into early 2020. But since the beginning of March, similar to airline demand, Gogo saw a "significant decline" in Asia followed by a "more pronounced decline" in recent days.

In-Flight Entertainment

United brings in-seat IFE back to the high density 777s

United Airlines is bringing a new version of its highest capacity aircraft to the skies with a notable improvement for economy class passengers: in-seat entertainment screens. And how the company pulled it off is an interesting recycling lesson.

Immfly to take over inflight portal management for IAG airlines

For inflight connectivity, entertainment and commerce the portal is king. IAG and Immfly are teaming up to give the portal a boost across their fleet.

Cabin Design

JetBlue removes 40% of capacity, delays new deliveries as demand drops

JetBlue joins the collection of US carriers slashing its schedule in response to a drop in demand. The carrier now intends to reduce fly by 40% in April and May, with an expectation of "substantial" cuts in June and July as well.

Loyalty

SkyMiles earn rates for LATAM flights now available

Looking to earn Delta SkyMiles on a LATAM-operated flight? The two carriers announced at the end of February that earning reciprocity would launch on 1 April 2020 but offered no other details. Now the earning chart is finally available.

Other Industry News

Understanding design elements of the new LaGuardia Airport Terminal B

The new LaGuardia Terminal B is lovely. If you want to understand WHY it is that way no better place to go than the source, the principal design architect for the project. And his explanation is spectacular.

SpaceJet hits a milestone with certifiable configuration first flight

For the team at Mitsubishi Aircraft building the SpaceJet there’s something special about aircraft number 10. The plane made its first flight last week marking a major milestone for the development program of the SpaceJet M90 regional jet. Flight Test Vehicle 10 (FTV10) is the first aircraft to fly in the final, certifiable baseline configuration.

Inside Delta’s command center when coronavirus escalated to a pandemic

Airlines and the travel industry scramble to protect crews and customers from a virus that is attacking from every direction