Connectivity
Spaced out: hype and reality in the ‘new space’ race
Is it sour grapes or a balanced take on the future of LEO/MEO/GEO in the world of satellite connectivity. Perhaps a bit of both, or at least it sounds that way as Inmarsat’s CEO tries to temper the hype around LEO. That it comes as OneWeb secures its final funding tranche to bring the constellation into service and is being backed by the UK government probably helps fan some of those flames, too.
fdiintelligence.com
Azul CEO talks free WiFi, sees long-term customer value
How can an airline justify a massive, expensive project coming off the absolute worst year the aviation industry ever experienced? For Azul CEO John Rodgerson, the answer was easy. "The way I look at it is when we invite somebody on board the aircraft we want them to feel as if they're at home." And today that at-home experience means access to fast, free, internet connectivity.
paxex.aero
NXTCOMM scores ESA customer order
Upstart Electronically Steerable Antenna (ESA) supplier NXTCOMM scored a contract for its Ku-band panel solution. The company's Defense division was selected by L3Harris Technologies to deliver hardware in support of a US Department of Defense contract.
paxex.aero
OneWeb now fully funded with additional $500 million from Bharti
Bharti Global will up its stake in OneWeb, adding another $500 million to bring the satellite company to a fully funded state with $2.4 billion infused since the emergence from bankruptcy.
paxex.aero
In-Flight Entertainment
United’s major IFE move
"We here at United do not think streaming to your own device is good enough." With that statement United Airlines' Chief Customer Officer Toby Enqvist upended the company's take on in-flight entertainment for its single-aisle fleet, mapping a new path for the company's future.
paxex.aero
Cabin Design
Swiss Premium Economy to fly from Spring 2022
A new premium economy product is coming to the Swiss long-haul fleet. The carrier announced the new cabin – including increased space, baggage allowance, and other benefits – with plans to equip the 777-300ER fleet in the months ahead.
paxex.aero
United bets big on premium traffic rebound with 270 plane order
It is the largest new aircraft order in United Airlines' history and one of the largest single airline orders ever. United will add an additional 270 planes to its backlog, taking it over 500 single-aisle aircraft on order.
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Other Industry News
Leadership shift atop JetBlue Technology Ventures
The JetBlue Technology Ventures (JTV) corporate venture capital fund has a new boss. Amy Burr takes over the role of president at JTV after serving three years as the group's Managing Director of Operations and Partnerships.
paxex.aero
InterCaribbean growing fleet, gauge, as Caribbean market recovers
As the Caribbean market awakens from a COVID-induced slumber the opportunities for growth are myriad, and InterCaribbean aims to fill in the gaps, offering connections and cargo service throughout the region.
paxex.aero
Air Canada fights back, disputes $25 million DOT fine
A year ago, as passengers started pressing Air Canada for refunds against cancelled flights, the airline fought back. Now, in the wake of a proposed $25 million penalty for its actions, the carrier is repeating those positions directly to the US Department of Transportation.
paxex.aero
Ravn Alaska plans international expansion, 757 acquisition, Anchorage hub
The jump from small regional player in Alaska to long-haul, international airline is a major one. Recently recapitalized Ravn Alaska plans to do just that.
paxex.aero
US aims to block sale of tickets to Belarus
The US Department of Transportation tentatively acted to prohibit the sale of passenger flights between the US and Belarus. A final order could come as soon as the end of the week.
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