Interiors & Connectivity

Mexico City-based Aeromar has signed an order for eight firm ATR -600 series aircraft, comprising six 72-600s and two 42-600s, plus options for six additional 72-600s.

See how Lufthansa is retrofitting its aircraft with GX for Aviation.

Avionics and inflight systems company Thales will partner with the UK-based Aerospace Technology Institute (ATI) on a jointly funded £20 million ($25 million) research project to explore next generation aircraft communications technology, Thales said Nov. 7.

Air China will test Los Angeles-based Global Eagle Entertainment’s (GEE) inflight entertainment (IFE) and connectivity service on an Air China Boeing 777 aircraft, the two companies announced Nov. 1.

Connectivity-Nov. 1, 2016

TAP Portugal has completed a cabin overhaul on its first Airbus A319, marking the start of a 48-aircraft roll-out.

SaudiGulf Airlines has launched operations, triggering the next stage in the liberalization of Saudi Arabia’s domestic flight market.

Passenger Experience-Oct. 26, 2016

China Eastern Airlines will install Rockwell Collins’ PAVES inflight entertainment (IFE) system on 30 Boeing 737NGs and 60 737 MAXs, Rockwell Collins announced Oct. 25.

Airbus has conducted the first flight test of its new standard high-bandwidth connectivity (HBC) on an A330.

SAS Scandinavian Airlines has taken delivery of its first of 30 A320neo aircraft, becoming the first airline in Scandinavia to operate the type.

Passenger Experience Briefs-Oct. 25, 2016

We are in an age of near-instantaneous data delivery that is colored by the increasing occurrence and complexity of cyberattacks.

Dubai-based Emirates Airline will equip its upcoming fleet of 150 Boeing 777X aircraft with Thales’ AVANT inflight entertainment (IFE) system, the two companies announced Oct. 25.

Virgin Australia is set to install BAE Systems’ AC outlet/USB charging in-seat power stations for personal IFE devices on one of its Boeing 737-800 aircraft for a trial period, BAE said Oct. 24.

Inflight entertainment and connectivity provider Panasonic Avionics will team with app developer Flight Level Media (FLM) to offer a collection of inflight social media applications, the companies said Oct. 24.

Lufthansa Systems will expand its partner network for the BoardConnect inflight entertainment platform.

Panasonic Avionics has received orders to provide eX3 inflight entertainment (IFE) and inflight Wi-Fi services from French Polynesian carrier Air Tahiti Nui and China Eastern Airlines.

Rockwell Collins and B/E Aerospace will consolidate headquarters and move quickly to realize synergies, Rockwell Collins said Monday after announcing plans to acquire aircraft cabin supplier B/E Aerospace for $8.3 billion in a deal that is expected to close in spring 2017.

The number of air travel passengers seeking inflight entertainment (IFE) via onboard internet connectivity on their own devices jumped 12% year-over-year (YOY) to 51% of 6,920 responses to IATA's latest Global Passenger Survey (GPS), released Oct 18.

Passenger Experience-Oct. 20. 2016

Spanish flag carrier Iberia has detailed plans to roll out a new premium economy cabin across 37 of its long-haul aircraft, starting from summer 2017.

Singapore Airlines (SIA) will upgrade the cabin products on its five new Airbus A380s, which are on firm order with Airbus for delivery from the 2017 second half.

Air New Zealand may offer Wi-Fi connectivity on flights from 2017 onward, CEO Christopher Luxon said in a statement Oct. 11.

Chicago-based inflight broadband provider Gogo has joined the Latin American and Caribbean Air Transport Association (ALTA) as an affiliate member.