Connectivity
Spirit Airlines WiFi goes live*
Spirit Airlines is now online in the sky. The first few planes fitted with the company's in-flight wifi connectivity offering recently entered service for passenger use, though a formal launch is not expected until later this year.
paxex.aero
Safran boosts SkyFive, leads Series A funding
Air-to-ground connectivity company SkyFive bolstered its bank account this week, closing a Series A funding round. The round was led by Safran Corporate Ventures. Also participating in the round was STAR Capital, a European private equity fund manager with a track record of developing emerging infrastructure businesses.
paxex.aero
Global Eagle, Telesat push forward with LEO antenna qualification
Global Eagle is moving closer to a Ka-band in-flight connectivity solution. The company recently cleared a critical milestone in the verification phase for the Global Eagle Airconnect Ka IFC terminal to be used with Canadian satellite operator Telesat's planned Lightspeed low-earth orbit (LEO) network.
paxex.aero
Qingdao Airlines reaffirms full-fleet connectivity plan
Qingdao Airlines is ready for a full-fleet deployment of high-speed in-flight internet service. The carrier reaffirmed its commitment to the FTS Xstream™ high-speed satellite inflight system earlier this month, validating the successful implementation of the first aircraft in July 2020.
paxex.aero
In-Flight Entertainment
NBA League Pass to stream on Viasat-equipped flights
Call it a cool inflight content deal, hamstrung by licensing challenges. Viasat and the NBA teamed up to offer streaming access to the NBA League Pass for passengers through a multi-year deal. Just not for travelers in the USA.
paxex.aero
Airbus, Latécoère bring LiFi IFE to the business jet market
LiFi is coming to the Airbus Corporate Jet product line. The company signed an agreement with Latécoère Interconnection Systems to develop The ACJ Smart LiFi Monitor, a new and unique In-Flight Entertainment (IFE) technology.
paxex.aero
Other Industry News
Supersonic Bizjet Developer Aerion Halts Operations
Designing a new airplane is hardly a trivial task. But making the leap from design to funded production line is nearly impossible. For supersonic hopeful Aerion the dream came to an end last week as the money dried up.
ainonline.com
Spirit Airlines bests FAA in Newark slots spat
Spirit Airlines could soon secure more slots at Newark Airport. A ruling by the US Court of Appeals for the DC Circuit found that the FAA acted improperly in choosing to not reallocate slots vacated by Southwest Airlines its Newark station closed in late 2019. As a result of that decision Spirit was unable to increase its presence at the airport. With this ruling, however, the FAA likely will be forced to allocate the slots and Spirit (or other airlines) could pick them up.
paxex.aero
Breeze sets initial routes; first flight this week
Breeze is ready to take flight. The newest US carrier announced its route network today, serving 39 nonstop routes between 16 cities in the Southwest, Midwest, Southeast and Eastern US. The airline will waste no time getting its planes into service. The first flights will operate this Thursday, from Tampa to Charleston and then to Hartford.
paxex.aero
KLM and TAP are first scalps for Ryanair
Ryanair prevailed in cases against State aid granted to KLM and TAP, the first in many suits it currently has open. The decisions are stayed, but the impact could be significant for the legacy carriers as they continue to struggle against anemic COVID-related traffic.
airinsight.com
U.S. lawmakers to propose tax credit for sustainable aviation fuel
It would be one of the most expensive fuel production subsidies in US history. But it also has the potential to massively shift emissions in the US aviation market. A $2/gallon credit over the next decade would be a huge win for producers and airlines.
reuters.com
Boeing plans new 737 MAX output jump in late-2022, sources say
Boeing has preliminary plans for a fresh sprint in 737 MAX output to as many as 42 jets a month in fall 2022, industry sources said, in a bid to extend its recovery from overlapping safety and COVID-19 crises.
reuters.com