Connectivity
Global Eagle secures STCs for Turkish Airlines in-flight internet launch
Get ready for more in-flight wifi on the Turkish Airlines fleet. Global Eagle secured its initial Supplemental Type Certificates allowing for the installation and activation of the Airconnect Global Ku platform on the 737 family of aircraft. The STCs come approximately 10 weeks after the first equipped aircraft returned to service with the hardware on board.
paxex.aero
NXTCOMM validates antenna design, sets sights on scale
Transitioning from proof-of-concept to at-scale manufacturing brings many challenges. NXTCOMM is ready to face those down as it plans to deliver its phased array antenna solutions later this year.
paxex.aero
Gogo slips 5G to 2022, sees smooth upgrade path
Officially slipping the Gogo 5G network into 2022 from this year is not great news, but Gogo's overall finances emerged from 2020 stronger than expected and the next 5 years should complete the transformation.
paxex.aero
First Iridium window antenna installed on a Wizz Air A321
It is a concept years in the making, but now finally flying, at least on one aircraft. The AS-IP antenna solution to deliver its fflya Bluetooth connectivity solution finally scored a window seat on a Wizz Air aircraft. Now to find out if it is a useful product or not.
inflight-online.com
Cabin Design
The need for space. Will airlines invest in social spaces once again?
Is there a future for the in-flight bar area? Long-haul planes - even flying point to point rather than via a hub - could be more compelling to passengers with that socializing space on board. Eventually. Just not right now.
But maybe sooner than expected.
thedesignair.net
Other Industry News
Small airports seek big bucks for new services
When it comes to launching new service at smaller airports revenue guarantees to airlines are a key factor. The US Department of Transportation offers Small Community Air Service Development Program (SCASDP) grants to help airports cover the costs of those guarantees. And with another round of applications released this week we can see which markets are compelling to airports and airlines.
paxex.aero
US DOT puts the squeeze on Hong Kong
The US Department of Transportation will require Hong Kong-based airlines to file their planned operations in advance, a first step towards potentially limiting the frequency or types of flights from the Chinese Special Administrative Region to the United States. The move comes in response to a change in quarantine policies effected 20 February that asymmetrically benefit Cathay Pacific's cargo operations over all other operators.
paxex.aero
Breezing into service: Three likely coastal hubs for Breeze Airways
Where will Breeze Airways launch its operations? Based on comments related to crew hiring it now appears the carrier has a trio of coastal Southeastern cities in mind.
paxex.aero
Against All Expectations, American Has Made Flights Longer in the Last Year
Flying home from a work trip last week my flights arrived 45 and 35 minutes early. Part of that is less crowding in the skies. And, for American Airlines, part of it is because the airline is padding out schedules even more than before.
crankyflier.com
Going long at LAX
More than a dozen longer domestic routes added at LAX in the past year are likely to bring about a different sort of recovery as the pandemic subsides.
paxex.aero
Norwegian long-haul is dead; Long live Norse Atlantic Airways
Norse Atlantic Airways may soon be flying between the US and Europe, replacing Norwewgian's long-haul ambitions with fresh funding powering the same planes.
paxex.aero