Connectivity
Better, cheaper inflight wifi rates launch on Air Europa
Air Europa is leaving megabyte packages behind, switching to full-flight pricing for inflight wifi connectivity as it resumes services.
MEA takes first A321neo, brings Panasonic Avionics WiFi on board
With delivery of its first A321neo last week Middle East Airlines (MEA) launches a new generation of inflight services. The carrier's nine A321neo aircraft include personal seat-back entertainment screens and will be the airline's first ever to offer inflight wifi connectivity on board. Panasonic Avionics was selected to provide these services.
Time is running out for Global Eagle's financial restructuring
Global Eagle bought itself a few extra weeks. Literally. The company missed an $11 million interest payment on 9 July but negotiated an extension to the end of the month before it will be considered in default on the loan.
Other Industry News
Pilots furloughs put squeeze on US regional fleets
With US airlines now filing WARN notices for potential furloughs the potential to see that impact their regional partners is becoming more clear. Scope clauses in the pilot union contracts could have a significant impact come 1 October.
British Airways ends 747 service
British Airways made it official to crew this evening: the 747 will leave its fleet effective immediately. Subject to consultations with employee unions, the Queen of the Skies will not carry passengers for BA again.
American, JetBlue team for NYC, Boston feed
American Airlines and JetBlue are to launch a "strategic partnership" in Boston and the New York City area, aligning flights and loyalty program benefits to boost their recovery. It reads well in the press release, but how it evolves in practice is very much op in the air, with few details available from either side.
The "new normal" of travel: FlightPlan survey reveals industry expectations
Traveling by air today brings a new set of challenges and concerns for passengers, but the means to address them remain scarce. A survey conducted as part of the Inmarsat/APEX FlightPlan event earlier this year reveals what industry executives believe the future holds. And follow-up conversations with some of those parties reveal how it might even get paid for.
This Delta A321 won’t be domesticated
Generally speaking airlines don't dedicate an aircraft to a single route. But this is certainly a time for strange things in the world of aviation. So Delta Air Lines choosing to fly one of its A321s on what appears to be a dedicated route for the past four months almost seems normal now.
And, yes, it is all about the money.