September 22nd 2020

Connectivity

A major A321neo IFEC milestone in Hamburg

Getting to line-fit status with an aircraft manufacturer is a tremendous accomplishment for any company. This week one IFEC supplier is celebrating that milestone on the A321neo line in Hamburg.

SmartSky triumphs over Gogo in patent challenge

SmartSky scored a legal victory this week with the US Patent Office declining to institute an inter partes review of U.S. Patent No. 9,312,947 (“the ‘947 patent”), a challenge lodged by Gogo in April. The ruling at this stage is based on the USPTO's believe that Gogo "has not demonstrated a reasonable likelihood of prevailing in demonstrating that at least one challenged claim of the ’947 patent is unpatentable over the prior art of record." As a result, the issue won't even make it to a formal hearing for review.

Vistara launches inflight wifi service on Dreamliner fleet

After years of promises and product evolution Vistara's service from Delhi to London on the 787-9 will deliver a major milestone for the inflight connectivity industry. Inflight wifi service will fly on an Indian airline tonight for the first time, powered by Nelco and Panasonic Avionics.

Intelsat sees upside in commercial aviation vertical

As Intelsat moves towards closing on its recently announced deal to acquire Gogo's Commercial Aviation business the company faces one question more significant than the rest: How will this deal work out better at Intelsat than it did for Gogo.

IFEC executive shuffles worth noting

A pair of executive moves atop satellite connectivity providers could alter the landscape a bit. Both Inmarsat and Intelsat saw changes last week, with one departure and one new arrival.

WSS fights back against SmartSky’s legal claims

Wireless Systems Solutions issued a statement late Monday disputing the charges levied by SmartSky in a federal lawsuit. Calling the filing retaliatory, WSS's Laslo Gross spoke with PaxEx.Aero about the claims and what he expects in the next steps of the case.

Gogo’s AVANCE L3 now available line-fit on Pilatus PC-24

New Pilatus PC-24 buyers can now choose to have the AVANCE L3 inflight wifi solution from Gogo installed at the factory. The type joins the PC-12 NGX in holding STCs for installation and Pilatus offering as a line-fit solution to customers.

In-Flight Entertainment

Panasonic Avionics’ Welcome Aboard Collection offers improved cabin safety designs

Passengers and airlines alike have different priorities these days. With those new needs in mind Panasonic Avionics (PAC) reviewed its broad range of offerings, pulling together a focused set of services and products dubbed the Welcome Aboard Collection to help airlines navigate the shifting landscape and reinforce customer confidence.

Cabin Design

JetBlue’s first Mint A321neo breaks cover

A new JetBlue tailfin emerged at the Airbus final assembly line in Hamburg/Finkenwerder this week raising questions about possible changes on the aircraft interior. PaxEx.Aero can now confirm this will be the first A321neo with a Mint interior for the carrier. Delivery and entry into service are expected to occur before the end of the year.

The post JetBlue’s first Mint A321neo breaks cover appeared first on PaxEx.Aero .

Other Industry News

Lufthansa to park A380s, A340-600s

Facing a revised demand forecast roughly half of what it previously anticipated, Lufthansa will move its remaining A380s and A340-600s into long-term storage. The carrier expects that they will "only be reactivated in the event of an unexpectedly rapid market recovery." The move affects 18 aircraft for the company, and many employees as well.

Thai Airways bankruptcy petition accepted by Thai court

Thai Airways officially entered its bankruptcy reorganization on Monday. The carrier's petition for rehabilitation, filed on 27 May 2020, was granted by the Central Bankruptcy Court on 14 September, allowing the company to proceed with its recovery plans.