Connectivity
Astronics still sees opportunity in BizAv IFC market
Astronics is ready to move beyond the AeroSat antenna challenges of years past. In today's quarterly earnings call CEO Peter Gundermann exuded confidence in the potential for the company's latest partnership, with SES and Collins Aerospace, for a tail-mount solution to fly on larger biz jets.
Connectivity: Splitsville
'Tis the season for restructuring in the aviation world. And for one supplier a deal years in the making may finally be on the horizon.
Panasonic Avionics appoints Joe Bently as CTO
Panasonic Avionics has a new Chief Technology Officer. The company announced that Joe Bentley will fill the role vacated by David Bartlett in January. Bentley's career at PAC begins today.
American Airlines takes control with new WiFi portal launch
American Airlines completed its inflight connectivity systems upgrade last year and now is taking that more difficult step, harmonizing the login portal for its passengers. An updated, unified interface deploys on the Viasat and Gogo-fitted aircaft this month.
In-Flight Entertainment
Apple TV+ comes to American Airlines flights
Most new content deals are widely celebrated. So what should we make of the news that Apple TV+ content is now flying on AA and neither partner made any noise about the deal??
Cabin Design
Cargo passenger hybrids coming to US airlines
Airlines around the world removed the seats from their passenger planes to make more room for cargo. But not in the US. That could change very soon, as the FAA now allows for exemptions to cargo restrictions, engineering companies are securint certifications for the new configurations and airlines are getting the paperwork in order to make the shift.
GoAir launches Go Fly Private increased social distancing option
Blocked middle seats are nice, but what if you want more space on board? India's GoAir is taking the extra seat concept to extremes, launching Go Fly Private, an option for passengers to buy as many seats as they want to create a buffer zone on board.
Loyalty
Travel Blogs Rode a Loyalty Wave: What Comes Next?
Is the death of the credit card referral bonus greatly exaggerated? Or are we about to see a major change in the structure of the "travel" blogger community? And with it a change in the way loyalty is marketed to passengers.
Other Industry News
Swanky cabins for space or safety: The Weekly Wrap
Swanky space cabins and safer airline cabins lead this week's episode, while more options for buying blocked seats are reaching the market. Add some more nutritional food on board and this Weekly Wrap is ready to fly!
Virgin Galactic makes a move in supersonic travel
Virgin Galactic knows that not everyone will go to space. The company is now (slightly) broadening its potential customer base with plans for a Mach 3 aircraft, focused on delivering high-speed travel around the globe.
Boom Supersonic picks an engine manufacturer (for further discussions)
Should the Boom Supersonic jet take flight later this decade there's a very strong chance it will be powered by Rolls-Royce engines. While this is not a formal engine model selection it does advance the project and provides further indications as to how the program might take flight.