July 27th 2020

Connectivity

Deutsche Telekom expands free GX Aviation wifi offering on Lufthansa Group flights

Inmarsat, Deutsche Telekom, and the Lufthansa Group are extending their complimentary inflight wifi access plan. First launched in July 2019, the companies increased the number of covered customers in April 2020 and intend to keep the program alive at least through December 2021.

Global Eagle refocuses on long-term outlook

There is an air of optimism, of relief emanating from the C-Suite at Global Eagle this week. And, to be sure, a realization that massive amounts of work remain for the company to truly succeed, but a conversation with CEO Josh Marks and President Per Noren suggests massive optimism now that the company's interest payment burdens halve thanks to an agreement to convert debt to equity through the Chapter 11 bankruptcy filing made on Tuesday.

Viasat raises $175 million in share sale

Viasat's liquidity got a strong boost this week the company placed $175 million in shares through private transactions. The deal bolsters Viasat's cash balance while not assuming additional debt, an important longer term factor for the company's success.

Cutting connections: Reviewing the connected aircraft retirements

Hundreds of aircraft rapidly retired from service. Hundreds more shifted into limbo, unclear of when they might fly again. The news no longer surprises, though some of the retirements bring about a sense of loss. For inflight connectivity vendors the impact is more than a sense of loss, however, as it maps to real revenue shortfalls with the aircraft removed from service.

Cabin Design

Boeing plans for airbags in some 777X seating structures

Airbags on planes are not new. Seatbelts have had them to protect passengers in case of a crash, but for at least some seats on the 777X Boeing intends to change the setup a bit. Rather than mounting them on the seatbelts the airbags will be mounted on structures in the cabin. The Federal Aviation Administration is now soliciting feedback on this new design as it considers the type certification for the 777-9.

ZIM Flugsitz seeks insolvency protection

German seating manufacturer ZIM Flugsitz filed an application for debtor-in-possession insolvency proceedings with the Local Court of Constance. The company cites a "persistent and considerable decline in sales" in recent months in forcing its need for legal protections.

The post ZIM Flugsitz seeks insolvency protection appeared first on PaxEx.Aero .

Other Industry News

Long live the Queen: The Weekly Wrap

Some 747 farewells transitioning into possible electric aircraft growth. Plus an interview about the upcoming FTE/APEX Virtual Expo and lots more!

EAG reveals first hybrid-electric 70+ seat aircraft

Ready for a 70-seat hybrid-electric aircraft with 800 nautical mile range? EAG hopes to deliver that by 2028, though it certainly is a tall order on many fronts. Still, in the wake of many environmentally driven projects being pulled lately the optimism here is most welcome.

Air Canada revamps services as Maple Leaf Lounges reopen

The buffet is out while masks are in. Air Canada begins the reopening its Maple Leaf Lounges this week with a new set of rules and services for passengers.

SITA, NEC partner for touchless airport experience powered by your face

Touchless travel is top of mind for passengers today. Most developments on that front are for limited scenarios, such as just bag drop or just flight boarding gates. SITA and NEC want to change that through a new partnership launched today. The pair will integrate NEC’s I:Delight identity management platform with SITA Smart Path and SITA Flex to enable a secure walk-through travel experience from curb to aircraft.