Rising to the occasion

Connectivity

Flat-rate connectivity bundles launch from Panasonic Avionics

In-flight connectivity packages measured by the megabyte generally suck for consumers. Uncertainty over consumption rates and costs make for a worse passenger experience. Panasonic Avionics now wants to help address that issue, but more for the airlines than passengers.

In-Flight Entertainment

Greater Bay Airlines selects Burrana RISE for in-seat power

When Greater Bay Airlines takes flight from Hong Kong, expected later this year, passengers will have power available at their seats. While few details of the in-flight product are available, the carrier will offer USB outlets for every passenger, with the RISE USB solution from Burrana.

QantasLink adds streaming IFE to regional ops

Qantas plans to add in-flight entertainment to its regional jet operations. The carrier's QantasLink group will add wireless IFE to its jets in partnership with streaming IFE provider Bluebox Aviation Systems.

Cabin Design

Eastern plans major cargo push, without major cargo conversion

Air cargo is hot right now, and Eastern Airlines wants in on that action. But the company plans to get there in a unique way.

Virgin Atlantic launches The Booth on its A350 leisure fleet

Virgin Atlantic has unveiled the new 'The Booth' social space on its leisure A350s. The first flights will be to Orlando in December, followed by Barbados.

But also, why such a tiny social space on board??

Loyalty

Southwest Rapid Rewards doubles tier points through November

Southwest Airlines joins the list of airlines admitting that its frequent flyer ranks thinned faster than hoped. As the year draws to a close and the company scales back its flight schedule (citing operational challenges, but demand is also dropping), it will also offer double elite credit in the Rapid Rewards loyalty program in hopes of attracting a few extra trips from its customers.

Qantas considering ‘Points Planes’ flights for Singapore

If redemptions are painful then the loyalty program eventually fails. Hard.

So after nearly 2 years of closed borders Qantas recognizes that getting people into seats by any means is smarter than worrying about yield curves. At least for a few flights.

Other Industry News

Singapore joins US, EU in lifting flight ban on Boeing 737 Max planes

The MAX is back in Singapore. The country is the latest to un-ground the type, more than two years after a pair of deadly crashes.

JetBlue extends London schedule cuts through October

JetBlue's newly launched service to London will continue to operate at reduced frequencies through October. Gatwick flights will launch as previously planned, but overall flights will be reduced.

Aer Lingus UK receives initial US authorization to fly

The new Aer Lingus UK flights between Manchester, UK and the USA moved a step closer to reality. The US Department of Transportation issued a Show Cause order approving the carrier's plans and asking for any final objections. Lacking those (and none are expected) the order should take effect by the end of the month.

Jet2 adds Airbus A321neo for fleet renewal, expansion

UK holiday carrier Jet2 is the newest Airbus A321neo customer. The carrier announced an order for 36 of the planes, to be delivered from 2023 to 2028. The airline currently operates a fleet of 737NG and 757 aircraft.