Connectivity
Inmarsat launches GX+ North America expansion with Hughes
The Inmarsat network just got a lot larger. The satellite connectivity provider is teaming with Hughes to bring the JUPITER High Throughput Satellite Ka-band constellation into the GX Aviation network, a major boost to capacity as the company seeks to capture more of the North American market.
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In-Flight Entertainment
FlightPath3D brings in-flight detail to fly-over country (and everywhere else on the planet)
What's down below? FlightPath3D can answer that question now for everyone on board with a major update to its in-flight moving maps interface.
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Cabin Design
Air Canada launches all-premium Jetz flights for winter leisure travel
Air Canada is extending its all-premium Jetz service to multiple sun and sand destinations this winter, building on the success of the company's business travel focus for the planes earlier this year. The dedicated sub-fleet of A319 aircraft will carry passengers to eight warm weather markets from a trio of Canadian gateways.
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Loyalty
A brand new FreeSpirit loyalty program launches
It is time for the Spirit Airlines loyalty program to grow up. And the new version launched last week appears to be far more rewarding, or at least it holds that potential.
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Other Industry News
Researchers link 59 Irish COVID cases to inbound long-haul flight
Nearly 60 cases of COVID-19 infection, including one ICU admission, were tied to a single long-haul flight arriving in Dublin over the summer. While stopping short of explicitly confirming the transmission on the plane, the report notes "the potential for in-flight/airport transmission exists in this outbreak."
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Delta, WestJet receive DOT approval for joint venture
Delta and WestJet scored a big win late on Friday as the US DOT issued a tentative approval for their proposed transborder joint venture. But the approval comes with a catch, requiring a shift of capacity at New York's LaGuardia airport.
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AirAsia, Vision-Box boost biometric boarding
AirAsia is pushing hard into biometrics, dramatically expanding its FACES contactless facial recognition system in partnership with Vision-Box.
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Cathay Dragon shuttered, 8,500 jobs eliminated
Cathay Dragon is the latest airline to be grounded as a result of COIVD-19, part of a massive restructuring at the Cathay Pacific Group as it seeks to stabilize its operations. In a stock exchange filing on Wednesday the company announced that the regional arm "will cease its operations with effect from today."
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Hawaiian to cut ‘Ohana, if the DOT will allow it
Facing a continued downturn in demand Hawaiian Airlines announced plans to suspend its interisland flights operated under the 'Ohana brand. The carrier must receive approval from the Department of Transportation for that move, however, and an adverse ruling could create a significant operational challenge.
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The Weekly Wrap: GX+ North America and Spirit’s New Loyalty Program
In this edition of The Weekly Wrap we're chatting with Philip Balaam, president of Inmarsat Aviation, about the company’s tie-up with Hughes to create a new in-flight connectivity solution, GX+ North America. Plus FreeSpirit, OpenIFC, and showers in the sky.
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JetBlue’s first A220 emerges with a new tail design
Welcome "Hops" to the JetBlue tail design collection. The new art appeared on the carrier's first A220-300 as it emerged from the paint shop in Mobile, Alabama this week.
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