Connectivity
KLM selects Viasat for in-flight connectivity
KLM is moving forward with plans to equip its single-aisle aircraft with in-flight WiFi service. The company will install Viasat's Ka-band satellite connectivity solution on the "majority of its European fleet."
paxex.aero
NXTCOMM set for ESA testing and more with Eutelsat contract
Of course you need satellite capacity to test a new antenna solution, so signing a contract for that isn't particularly surprising. But the vision NXTCONN has for how it might make use of the capacity going forward is far more interesting, a break from the rest of the market.
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Stagnation displaces Astronics’ recovery resurgence hope
The summer looked good for Astronics. The company saw green shoots of a recovery and was ready to resume its production of components for aircraft manufacturers and interiors suppliers. But as the summer came to a close so did that hope of a quick return to 2019 levels of production. And with the 737 MAX still grounded the company finds itself in what CEO Peter Gundermann describes as a "pretty tough" place.
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In-Flight Entertainment
MIME Technologies scores Scottish funding boost
Diagnosing in-flight medical emergencies is a high risk, high cost challenge for cabin crew. Scottish company MIME aims to assist with a visual checklist of symptoms that can help flight attendants understand the critical decision points as well as deliver a seamless transition of data to emergency personnel on the ground should a diversion occur.
inflight-online.com
Loyalty
Shifting the spread on loyalty earn and burn
We know that overall passenger numbers are, for very good reason, down massively. But airlines have relied on their loyalty programs to provide a significant, and perhaps more importantly steady, stream of revenue for the operations. So, as the airlines use those programs to collateralize billions of dollars in new financing, it is worth considering if that revenue flow is as reliable as airlines (and debt holders) hope it can be.
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Other Industry News
Canada plans aviation bailout, so long as passengers get refunds
Canada is on the cusp of pushing serious funds into its aviation industry, a move necessary to keep the planes moving as COVID-19 continues to suppress demand in the country. But Minister of Transport Marc Garneau added a caveat to the plan, one that could make passengers even happier than the airlines: Refunds must be issued for canceled flights.
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A slimmed down Rouge returns to service
A slimmed down fleet and route network are in play for Air Canada's Rouge arm as it returns to operations last week, though not 100% smoothly.
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Hi Fly to retire the A380
After three years of operations European charter specialist Hi Fly intends to retire its A380 from service. The carrier chose to not renew the lease on 9H-MIP bringing a close to that era.
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Bamboo Airways pushes towards US service
Bamboo Airways moved two steps closer to launching US service from Vietnam this week, though the timing for an inaugural flight remains reasonably far away.
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Interjet lacks fuel, cancels flights for two days
Mexico's Interjet cancelled all of its flights a week ago Sunday and Monday, citing COVID19's effect on cash flow and maintenance requirements. That's bad news against a background of lease returns and a shrinking cash balance.
paxex.aero