Several leading satellite and connectivity providers have voiced reservations about calls for greater standardization, warning it could slow down the pace of connectivity development.

Satellite communications specialist Inmarsat still expects the European Aviation Network (EAN) to be operational by the end of the year, despite an attempt by rival satellite operators to block it.

The United Arab Emirates’ aviation regulator, the General Civil Aviation Authority (GCAA), will implement the world’s first airspace structure to be completely based on Performance Based Navigation (PBN) with a navigation specification of RNAV-1 (GNSS).

For now passengers on short- and medium-haul flights in Europe largely have to make their own in-flight entertainment when they travel. But this is starting to change as a growing number of airlines make investments in IFE and connectivity solutions for their narrowbody fleets.

Delta Air Lines is preparing to launch a new fleet “flagship” aircraft—the Airbus A350-900, which will enter service Oct. 30 on the Detroit-Tokyo Narita route—replacing the iconic Boeing 747-400 that will soon be retired from Delta’s fleet.

Saudi Arabian Airlines has a 72-year history and is undergoing a major change for future operations. Within two years, the carrier has taken delivery of 60 new aircraft; by 2020 fleet size should reach 200. ATW correspondent Kurt Hofmann is the first Western journalist to visit the carrier's head office in Jeddah, Saudi Arabia.

Older aircraft with obsolete cabin and entertainment systems will likely be condemned to the scrapheap when prospective buyers see how much it costs to upgrade them to today’s standards.

Air New Zealand has begun the first operational trials of its new onboard Wi-Fi service, which eventually will be rolled out across its international jet fleet.