Connectivity
El Al removing Viasat WiFi from 737s to avoid aircraft damage
El Al, Astronics, and Viasat joined the dubious group of in-flight connectivity installations causing damage to aircraft last week. As a result, hardware must be removed from the planes to avoid catastrophic failure.
paxex.aero
OneWeb secures antenna, investment with Hanwha Systems
Each of OneWeb's post-bankruptcy investors plays a strategic role in the company's future. Last week's news of a new partner keeps that streak alive, as Korea's Hanwha Systems added $300 million to the company's coffers.
Perhaps more importantly, however, Hanwha can provide a critical component of the company's technical roadmap. Expect to see electronically steered antenna (ESA) solutions delivered from Hanwha to power the OneWeb customer terminals.
Also another successful launch putting more of the constellation into orbit over the weekend.
paxex.aero
Anuvu announces STC for A321, Turkish Airlines installs
The Turkish Airlines A321 fleet is now ready for a new WiFi solution on board. The carrier and in-flight connectivity provider Anuvu announced receipt of certification for the Airconnect Global Ku inflight connectivity (IFC) system on the type from European regulators.
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Panasonic Avionics’ AeroMobile adds GigSky as eSIM roaming partner for in-flight WiFi
Another option to get connected in the sky now exists. Panasonic Avionics and GigSky, a global mobility provider based in Silicon Valley, partnered to offer an alternate means to buy day passes valid on aircraft fitted with the AeroMobile picocell technology.
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Cabin Design
Premia plans a "value" play to the USA
Unlike other recent long-haul start-ups Premia is not a low cost carrier. The company presents as a "value" carrier option, with more customer-friendly allowances, but still lower prices than the legacy operators.
paxex.aero
Korean Air to retire A380s in five years, 747-8Is in ten: CEO | News | Flight Global
Korean Air plans to entirely exit four-engined passenger aircraft within the next ten years.
“The A380s will be leaving Korean Air’s fleet within five years, and the Boeing 747-8I fleet will also follow suit within ten years,” says CEO Walter Cho.
flightglobal.com
Loyalty
Allegiant’s Allways Rewards launches targeting Gen Z and Millennial travelers
Frequent redemptions and earnings on literally everything available for sale on the website are two key components of the new Allways Rewards program from Allegiant, officially launching this week.
paxex.aero
Ravn Alaska joins Mileage Plan as an earn & burn partner
Ravn Alaska is joining Alaska Airlines' Mileage Plan loyalty program. The new partnership will allow travelers to earn Mileage Plan points on Ravn's network of flights to small Alaskan communities from Anchorage.
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Other Industry News
Clock starts on Mobile airport swap, as contract is approved for project manager HPM
Moving to increase airport operations closer to downtown is rare. But a "very aggressive" timetable calls for new terminal to open just three years hence in downtown Mobile, Alabama.
al.com
U.S. plans to extend transport mask mandate through Jan. 18
President Joe Biden's administration extended requirements for travelers to wear masks on airplanes, trains and buses and at airports and train stations through Jan. 18 to address ongoing COVID-19 risks.
yahoo.com
Spirit Airlines says operational meltdown cost it about $50 million, cuts third-quarter schedule
Spirit Airlines says its massive flight cancellations over the past few weeks cost it about $50 million.
cnbc.com
Air France dévoile son nouveau salon au Terminal 2F de Paris-CDG
Read it in French. Or let your browser translate. Or just look at the pictures.
Regardless of how you consume the info, the new Air France lounge in the Schengen area at CDG is a delight.
gate7.online
Breeze banks $200 million to fuel growth
Breeze Airways secured an additional $200 million in funding, providing the carrier with a sizable bankroll to support upcoming expansion. The deal involves new and existing investors and gives the company the most capital for any of this year's startup carriers.
paxex.aero