Full fleet or Biz Jet??

From the Control Tower

In-flight connectivity in China has long been a tease, rarely delivering on the promises. And some of these recent announcements may still prove the same, but FTS is making serious moves to get kit on to planes, well more than other integrators delivered previously in the local market.

Connectivity

Qingdao moves forward with full-fleet connectivity plan

Qingdao Airlines is moving forward with installation of in-flight connectivity on its fleet. Integrator FTS is leading the project with hardware from Gilat and the China Satcom satellite infrastructure.

Intelsat plans bankruptcy exit, notes liquidation risks

Intelsat has a plan to emerge from its Chapter 11 bankruptcy protection. It involves slashing debt owed by more than half, from $15 billion to $7 billion. But the debtors must agree to those losses. If not, the company faces a more dire outcome, including the likely liquidation of its recently acquired Gogo Commercial Aviation business.

FTS secures BizAv in-flight connectivity deal in China

As the business aviation industry bounces back the need for in-flight internet services on board is proving to be compelling across the globe. And while China has generally lagged in delivering those connections on its domestic aircraft the country's largest operator of private jets is finally ready to get online.

Viasat teams with Gazprom, TMC for access to Russia

Access to Russia is critical when it comes to delivering satellite connectivity on a global basis. Viasat took a large step forward on that front this week, announcing a MOU with Gazprom for satellite capacity and TMC for the necessary local license to access the market.

Astronics extends BizAv antenna deal with Collins Aerospace

Collins Aerospace expects to install a lot more in-flight connectivity systems on business jets. The company agreed to purchase an additional $11 million worth of antenna systems from Astronics, extending the relationship between the two companies.

Cabin Design

Buh-bye to the British Airways Baby ‘Bus

The British Airways "Baby 'Bus" A318 is no more. Previously operating between London City and JFK, the carrier officially scrapped G-EUNA this week, bringing an end to that era of business travel.

Air Peace’s staggeringly cool new E195-E2 business class seat

A small airline based in Nigeria that you've probably never heard of now has one of the best business class seats flying on a regional jet. The new Air Peace E195-E2 features the staggered design bespoke for the aircraft, designed in partnership with Priestmangoode.

TheDesignAir launches new regular video round up on YouTube

As a long-time fan of the content TheDeisgnAir puts out and Jonny's take on the industry seeing a new approach to sharing some of those ideas is exciting. Check out this announcement about a new video series taking shape.

Other Industry News

Archer to go public at $3.8 billion valuation, United Airlines orders $1 billion worth of eVTOL aircraft

Look past the headlines and the deal is not nearly as huge as it initially appeared. But the fact that United was willing to put its name out there as potentially interested in the eVTOL market - and supporting a particular vendor - is an interesting development. Even if it is arguably a smaller play than what JetBlue is pursuing with Joby.

JetBlue to eliminate change fees, adjust carry-on rules

JetBlue is eliminating change fees from most fares and also removing the option for its Blue Basic passengers to bring a carry-on bag into the cabin as part of its latest fare families update.