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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.
IndiGo has become the latest low-cost carrier to alter its business model by offering a premium product. The Indian operator has revealed that a tailor-made business class offering — called IndiGoStretch — will be flown on its “busiest and business routes” starting in November.
FARNBOROUGH — British Airways’ Speedbird Pilot Academy cadet program has provided fully-funded flight training for up to 100 candidates per year since 2023. Now, the airline is expanding its investment for next year’s class, offering up to 200 prospective pilots the opportunity to pursue a commercial flying career without bearing the £100,000 cost of training.
Viasat reports that its satellite communication services, including those in aviation, were only “minimally impacted” by China’s sanctions against the US firm, which have now been lifted.
FARNBOROUGH — The absence of flying activity at Boeing this year was understandable, but the quiet show for Airbus was somewhat surprising. Record sales for its flagship aircraft, especially the A320 and A350 families, combined with supply chain constraints in interiors and engines, have left most airlines with limited options from Airbus. Currently available are mainly the A220s or A330neos.
FARNBOROUGH — At the Farnborough Airshow, Boeing's main commercial attraction was the mockup of its 777X cabin displayed within the company's large pavilion. The event highlighted Boeing's design considerations for the 777X cabin, including various overhead lighting options and innovative storage solutions.
dnata, a global air and travel services provider, has announced the addition of 24 electric tugs to its ground support equipment fleet at São Paulo International Airport. This move is part of a US$ 1.7 million investment aimed at reducing carbon emissions.
The airline industry frequently follows the lead of competitors, and Florida-based Spirit Airlines is once again responding to a significant change made by its closest rival. Following Frontier Airlines' recent move to bundle fares, reduce fees, and shift upmarket, Spirit has introduced its own fare bundles with some unique modifications.
FARNBOROUGH — Amid ongoing issues of overconsolidation, production problems, and quality concerns in the seatmaker and supplier industry, TCI Aircraft Interiors has expanded into the business class seat market. This move is anticipated to be well-received by airlines. Interest in TCI's new Crystal business class mockup was notably high at the Farnborough Airshow. Runway Girl Network interviewed Ahmet Ozyilmaz, TCI’s strategy and marketing manager, for more details.
Viasat has announced that it currently has "no firm plans" to support ViaSat-3 aero service for Global Xpress (GX) inflight connectivity installations that use Safran Passenger Innovations’ next-generation GX terminal based on ThinKom Solutions’ Ka2517 VICTS antenna. This decision comes as interoperability becomes available across its Ka-band satellite fleet.
The Seamless Air Alliance, a consortium of airlines, airframers, original equipment manufacturers, and suppliers, has entered into a memorandum of intent with the European Space Agency (ESA). The agreement was signed at the Farnborough Airshow and aims to push for cellular-from-space requirements for inflight connectivity through the 3rd Generation Partnership Project (3GPP).
When it comes to achieving 100% recyclability of its seats, Acro Aircraft Seating is leaving no material unexamined.
Korean Air’s first Viasat-equipped Boeing 787 has entered commercial service. The inflight connectivity is supported by Viasat’s Global Xpress (GX) Ka-band satellite network, the satellite operator and ISP confirms to Runway Girl Network.
FARNBOROUGH — British Airways’ Airbus A320neo on static display at the Farnborough Airshow marks a new era for the airline.
RGN Premium, a division of RGN Inc., has reported an increase in both orders and shipments for the second quarter of 2024. This uptick reflects a positive trend for the company as it navigates the current market conditions.
One year ago, a comparison of the passenger experience aboard Air Canada’s Embraer E175s and its new Airbus A220s revealed that the 20-year-old E175 was still performing well. This year, however, on a similar New York-Montreal summer trip, it became evident that Air Canada’s regional jet cabins are beginning to show their age.
Southwest Airlines is set to abandon its long-standing open seating model, transitioning instead to assigned seating and introducing extra-legroom "premium seating" options. This decision comes after extensive deliberation and customer research indicating a strong preference for assigned seats.
WestJet has announced plans to integrate SpaceX’s Ku-band Low Earth Orbit (LEO) satellite-powered Starlink Aviation broadband connectivity into its Boeing 737 narrowbodies and Boeing 787 widebodies. This service will be offered for free to members of its loyalty program.
RGN Premium has provided further details on its pricing and commercial debut. The announcement was made on July 24, 2024.
The UK rail network consists of various operators, each offering unique interpretations of first-class travel. Runway Girl Network's recent train trip reports have primarily focused on operators departing from London to the west and north, where elaborate service often compensates for basic interiors. However, a recent journey across Northern England with TransPennine Express revealed the opposite; luxurious seating made up for subpar service.