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News from August 2024
Panasonic Avionics has invested significantly in geostationary satellite capacity, resulting in improved Net Promoter Scores (NPS) for its legacy GEO-focused inflight connectivity (IFC) solution. However, John Wade, vice president of the connectivity business unit at Panasonic, believes that a Low Earth Orbit (LEO) satcom-only model may be the future of IFC in commercial aviation. This model could potentially use two electronically steered antennas (ESAs) in different frequency bands.
The lawsuit against American Airlines concerning AAdvantage account shutdowns for using credit card signup offers intended for others has not been dismissed or moved to Texas as the airline requested. Instead, it has been moved to private dispute resolution.
Airlines are not typically recognized for their customer service, despite competing for business in an industry closely related to hospitality. Over the years, the number of airlines has decreased, leading to a perception among customers that these companies are large and impersonal bureaucracies. The capital-intensive, heavily regulated, and unionized nature of the airline industry further detracts from its customer focus.
When you have elite status with a hotel chain, one of the most valued benefits is the potential for an upgrade. This could range from a better view, which is significant at beach resorts, to a suite where guests can enjoy more space or accommodate family members.
Delta Air Lines canceled more flights last month than in 2018 and 2019 combined, following an outage involving their cybersecurity provider, CrowdStrike. The airline delayed addressing customer concerns, denied responsibility for the disruptions, and its CEO attended the Paris Olympics during the crisis.
Tailwind Air, the seaplane service connecting Boston and New York harbors, ceased operations last week. The service, which began in 2021, utilized a company-owned base in Boston Harbor and the 23rd St. seaplane dock in Manhattan. It employed amphibious Cessna Caravans to also serve routes from Boston to Nantucket and Provincetown, as well as from Manhattan to the Hamptons.
Frontier Airlines confirmed the cancellation of a flight on Saturday due to the arrest of one of its pilots. Seymour Walker, 45, was detained on a family violence warrant after the plane landed at George Bush Intercontinental Airport. Walker was scheduled to pilot the next leg to Dallas.
American Airlines has initiated its post-summer maintenance schedule, signaling the end of its peak travel season. Although the official end of summer in the Northern Hemisphere is September 22 and traditionally runs through Labor Day for airlines, American Airlines has opted to begin this process earlier.
A 6-year-old girl named Khaleesi, after a character from the television series "Game of Thrones," was denied a passport by UK authorities. The initial claim for denial was based on trademark issues.
SIMONA Boltaron, a thermoplastics specialist serving aerospace, mass transportation, and other industries, is now laser engraving its materials with special codes to ensure full traceability and proper repurposing when they reach their end-of-life stage.
Microsoft has accused Delta Air Lines of providing misleading information regarding the airline's recent operational meltdown. According to Microsoft, the key system failures were not due to their technology but rather issues with Delta's crew scheduling systems managed by IBM.
Hyatt extends temporary elite status offer for select members with linked American Airlines accounts
Hyatt is offering temporary status to its members with American Airlines status, providing an opportunity to maintain and upgrade this status through February 2026.
Hyatt and American Airlines have announced their 2024 offer for American AAdvantage elite members, continuing a longstanding partnership that allows members to earn points in both programs through stays at Hyatt properties and flights with American Airlines. These points contribute not only to redeemable miles but also to loyalty points, aiding in status attainment.
Rapper and record producer T.I., whose real name is Clifford Harris Jr., was mistakenly arrested at Atlanta’s Hartsfield-Jackson Airport on Sunday night. The 43-year-old artist, known for hits like “What You Know,” was detained by authorities who believed he was the subject of an arrest warrant.
Bobby Witt Jr., who recently signed an 11-year $289 million contract extension, is facing an unexpected issue: he cannot earn Marriott points due to staying under an assumed name for security reasons. This situation highlights a broader trend among wealthy individuals who value accumulating travel points.
United Airlines has decided to discontinue its Hemispheres inflight magazine, marking the end of its 32-year run. This move follows similar actions by other major airlines such as Delta and American, which ceased their inflight magazines earlier in response to changing industry dynamics.
A Delta Air Lines passenger left their seat in a disorderly state after a flight on Monday. The seat was found with food waste, brown smears, a ripped-up safety card, and what appeared to be tiny versions of the Bolivian flag scattered around. The passenger reportedly left at the end of the flight without addressing the mess.
Serena Williams faced a notable incident at the Peninsula Paris, where she was reportedly turned away due to the hotel's existing reservations. The Peninsula Paris addressed the situation on social media, explaining that their rooftop bar was fully booked and that the only unoccupied tables were part of their gourmet restaurant, L’Oiseau Blanc, which was also fully reserved.
UNI Global Union has expressed growing concern over the situation in Bangladesh. The organization is maintaining contact with its affiliates, prioritizing the safety and wellbeing of workers and their families.
On August 4, Korean Air flight 197 from Seoul to Ulaanbaatar encountered severe turbulence, injuring 14 passengers and crew about one hour after departure from Incheon Airport. The incident occurred while flying near Tianjin Airport in China at an altitude of 34,100 feet.