EasyJet CEO Carolyn McCall believes that onboard Wi-Fi connectivity will ultimately become ubiquitous, but it needs to get better to get easyJet’s buy-in.
Mobile satellite communications specialist Inmarsat has completed construction of the final four satellite access stations (SAS) for its Global Xpress (GX) fleet.
Lufthansa said flight modes on personal electronic devices (PED) could soon become obsolete, enabling passengers to keep smartphones, tablets and laptops switched on from gate-to-gate.
The European Aviation Safety Agency (EASA) has approved the use of portable electronic devices (PEDs) in transmitting mode through all stages of a flight, following a safety assessment process.
US Customs and Border Protection (CBP) has launched a limited trial at Atlanta Hartsfield-Jackson International Airport (ATL) of a program that allows passengers arriving on international flights to use a smartphone app in place of a paper customs form.
British Airways is rolling out cabin upgrades across 18 of its Boeing 747s, which will be equipped with improved inflight entertainment and modern interiors.
Finnair CEO Pekka Vauramo has hinted he is on the verge of announcing aircraft connectivity plans, which could include a fleet-wide rollout of passenger Wi-Fi.
Inflight connectivity provider AeroMobile is expecting to sign up at least two new airlines this year and grow its installed fleet 50% within the next 12 months.
Satellite operator Inmarsat will roll out a new high-speed inflight broadband service across the European Union (EU) and has named British Airways as a potential launch customer.
Japan Airlines (JAL)—which is revamping inflight products and services in all classes across all domestic and international operations as part of its New Sky project—will launch its first domestic service featuring the JAL SKY NEXT configuration in late May.
EasyJet and airBaltic have become the latest European carriers to allow passengers to use personal electronic devices (PEDs) throughout all phases of flight.
Thales is aiming to close its $400 million acquisition of JetBlue’s LiveTV subsidiary this summer, but Thales Avionics CEO Dominique Giannoni is remaining tight-lipped on other potential acquisitions.
Airlines should rethink their cabin branding, replacing economy class with “connectivity class” or “cinema class,” according to Teague principal brand strategist Devin Liddell.
Aircraft communications service provider Gogo has reached a technical services agreement with Boeing to evaluate the prospect of installing Gogo inflight connectivity technology during the manufacturer’s aircraft production process.
Air Canada has reached an agreement with aircraft communications service provider Gogo to equip all of its North American fleet with inflight Wi-Fi connectivity.
Japan Airlines (JAL) will trial Gogo’s new dual-antennae product, 2Ku, which the supplier says will give airlines fast, reliable and affordable broadband worldwide.
Cathay Pacific Airways is anxious to offer gate-to-gate use of personal electronic devices (PED), although it is unlikely to be cleared until mid-year.
IFE is fast becoming a must-have product for any airline wanting to maintain a competitive edge. What was once an added benefit for only business- and first-class passengers has become an integral part of inflight service in all cabins.
Software goliath Microsoft is eying the commercial aviation software business as a “really important market,” according to Matt Muta, the global managing director of the company’s Hospitality & Travel unit.
European budget carriers Ryanair and Wizz Air have become the latest airlines to relax restrictions on the use of personal electronic devices (PED) on takeoff and landing.