20 April 2020

From the Control Tower

Searching for good news...

With the aviation industry still searching for the bottom of this market collapse it can be hard to find good news these days. And while the bad news is certainly important, too, I'm trying to find more of the optimistic (or at least potentially upbeat) stories to share. Have a gander at a few from recent days, with a strong focus on what the recovery might look like.

Connectivity

SmartSky faces a patent challenge from Gogo

As it developed a new, high-speed, terrestrial inflight communications platform SmartSky also worked diligently to develop a broad intellectual property portfolio. The patents are intended, among other things, to help the company fend off competition from Gogo, the larger incumbent player in the market.

Earlier this month Gogo fired its first salvo against that patent portfolio, seeking to invalidate one of the key patents behind the SmartSky network.

Display Interactive, Eclipse Global Connectivity team up to take on China

As the inflight connectivity world continues to mature one market remains ever so slightly out of reach for suppliers: China. Eclipse Global Connectivity and Display Interactive are teaming up to launch a new venture based in Shanghai, with plans to capture that markes as "an integral part of the Chinese IFEC ecosystem."

COVID crushing inflight connectivity: Part 1

This was supposed to be a year of recovery and free cash flow and all sorts of other good news for an industry that spent the better part of the last decade hemmorhaging cash in search of market share. Turns out the global health pandemic cares not for borders nor those plans. Welcome to part one of a deep dive into the inflight connectivity world and the suppliers affected by this recent turn.

Cabin Design

Introducing yin-yang seating for economy class

Just how much will passenger expectations shift in the post-COVID19 world? No one really knows yet, but at least one aircraft seating manufacturer is ready with some creative ideas for helping ensure passenger isolation, even without reducing seating density. Welcome to the "Janus" seat from Aviointeriors, a yin-yang option for economy class.

A new take on amenity kits in the COVID-19 era

As passengers return (eventually) to the skies there is good reason to believe they will have different priorities with respect to services and amenities offered on board. One industry supplier is hoping to address those needs with a new version of an amenity kit to be handed out to travelers.

Other Industry News

FlightPlan brings PaxEx industry together online

With Aircraft Interiors Expo cancelled for 2020 and uncertainty about how and when the industry will come together in person again a new plan is emerging. Spearheaded by Inmarsat Aviation and backed by APEX and other industry leaders, the day-long live-streamed webinar series ‘FlightPlan: Charting a Course into the Future’ will examine the current state of the aviation market and the latest predictions for recovery.

You can Register Now and get more info there or in the story.

Caribbean Airlines plans new "milk run" routes to connect the islands

The island nations of the Caribbean depend heavily on air connectivity for tourism and commerce. But they're also small markets and the interisland route networks are far from robust. Caribbean Airlines is planning a regional expansion for later this summer, bridging several islands with new flight opportunities.

Supersonic sound standards set; Boom schedule slips

How loud will the next generation of supersonic aircraft be? Facing a continued surge in design and construction efforts from a handful of companies, the FAA set out guidelines this week for how the new aircraft are expected to perform. Just as interesting as the numbers is the model that was left out of the mandate.

Stuck in the past, DOT botches its CARES Act implementation

Empty planes will be flying by the hundreds, spewing excess emissions and placing more airline employees at risk. But at least the DOT did not have to adjust its view of the industry to account for the new reality.