Connectivity
Gogo announces Jet Edge as 5G launch customer
Aircraft owner/operators are lining up to take advantage of the upgraded Gogo 5G network, slated to launch in 2022. Jet Edge announced this week it will upgrade 50 of its large-cabin business jets to the new platform as the launch customer for the solution.
SmartSky goes live!
The SmartSky air-to-ground networks is – finally – live. The company officially launched commercial operations at the NBAA conference in Las Vegas this afternoon, allowing its OEM and MRO to begin installations and complete additional STCs and Value Added Resellers to activate, connect, and serve customers.
Jet ConneX hits 1,000 installs for Inmarsat
The battle for terrestrial high speed in-flight connectivity is heating up, but on the satellite-based front Inmarsat continues to demonstrate its power. The company announced its 1000th installation on the JetConnecX platform, backed by the GX Aviation Ka-band satellite constellation.
Viasat Select goes direct for BizAv wifi
Business jet owners and operators can now purchase in-flight wifi service directly from Viasat with the launch of the company's new Viasat Select offerings.
In-Flight Entertainment
Ava Airways picks Flymingo for IFE as it plans 2022 launch
Ava Airways wants to be the flag carrier of the Dominican Republic. The company has been working for several years to build the necessary operational and route structure to serve the Caribbean market and beyond. COVID got in the way, delaying launch plans. But the company continues to move forward. And when it does launch passengers will have access to streaming entertainment thanks to a new contract signed with streaming IFE provider Moment.
MEA gives live TV a try
Live television is now flying on Middle East Airlines-Air Liban (MEA) under a two month trial with Panasonic Avionics. The service launched on the carrier's A321LR earlier this month.
Inflight Dublin to provide Everhub™ iPad solution for Qatar Airways and Executive fleet
Even private jets need an IFE supplier. And for the Qatar Executive fleet that will be Inflight Dublin's Everhub iPad solution.
Cabin Design
Singapore Airlines brings back the A380
Singapore Airlines is the latest carrier to bring back the A380 super jumbo. Citing strong demand – and customer preference for the type – as the country expands its vaccinated traveler lane (VTL) program, London will be the first market to see regular A380 flights resume.
Other Industry News
AirAsia X Proposes Paying Creditors 0.5% of $8 Billion Owed
Even as its Malaysian short-haul cousin resumes operations, the long-haul services of AirAsia X remain grounded and the company's finances in disarray. It now proposes an $8 billion restructuring, including cancelling all of this A330neo and A321neo orders from airbus, 108 frames in total.
United plans five new routes, MAX service transatlantic in 2022
By the time Summer 2022 rolls around United Airlines will serve more transatlantic destinations than ever in its history. The carrier announced five new transatlantic markets this week, plus increased service to another five. The company will also finally launch seven routes waylaid by the pandemic.
Oh, and the 737 MAX will join the oceanic fun.
JSX, Elite chase the nearly unlimited demand for flights to Florida
How best to describe the seemingly limitless demand for air travel between the Northeastern United States and Florida? If the launch of Avelo's new hub in New Haven does not provide sufficient evidence, consider another pair of new routes announced last week.
United Airlines Begins P&W 777 Engine Modifications Ahead of FAA Action
CEO Scott Kirby was pretty confident during the IATA AGM earlier this month that the company had a solution the FAA would approve to bring its P&W powered 777s back into service pretty soon.
Now we know he's so confident about it that United is making the changes before the regulator formally approves the plan.
Net Zero by 2050: IATA’s major commitment and challenges
Last week was, generally speaking, a pretty strong showing for emissions concerns in the aviation world. IATA, the industry's largest global trade group, passed a resolution targeting net zero emissions across their operations by 2050.
AirAsia boosts biometrics, super-app as Malaysia travel resumes
A 70% off sale like the one announced last week is enough to grab plenty of attention. But the bigger news from AirAsia as it resumes interstate operations is a major push to digital processes for travel, effectively eliminating paper documents for its guests.