Want to save a bit of cash when flying Allegiant? It is possible, thanks to a quirky tax play the airline makes. But it is not without risk of actually paying more for the trip. Ask me how I know.
Main Content
American Airlines announced Flagship Suite Preferred premium bulkhead seats
A select few passengers will soon have access to Flagship Business Preferred, a not-quite-first-class option on American Airlines, even as the carrier retires the actual first class cabin from its long-haul fleet.
United sees premium potential for Polaris, but probably not a champagne call button
It is unlikely the rumored “champagne-on-demand” button will really be part of its upcoming offerings, but United Airlines is looking at options to expand its Polaris premium cabin.
PaxEx Premium News
When the demo is not quite what it seems
A successful demonstration of their systems is often a key selling point for airlines and inflight service providers alike. A demonstration that is not really the service on offer, however, tends to raise additional questions.
Measuring more than Megabits: Inflight internet monitors take the spotlight
Passengers run speed tests aplenty on inflight internet links, but airlines need a more wholistic way to monitor their networks. And service providers are getting pulled along, whether they like it or not.
SmartSky catches a major "break" in Gogo patent infringement suit
We’re still more than a year away from Gogo and SmartSky stepping into a courtroom to have their patent infringement lawsuit heard, but a ruling this week will significantly influence the direction of the case.
IFEC
Aegean plans long(er) haul with A321neo shift
Aegean Airlines plans to fly a bit further from 2026. The carrier converted four of its pending A321neo orders to the long-range version of the aircraft, supporting flights up to 7.5 hours from its hub in Athens.
When the demo is not quite what it seems
A successful demonstration of their systems is often a key selling point for airlines and inflight service providers alike. A demonstration that is not really the service on offer, however, tends to raise additional questions.
PaxEx Bits: Week ending 5 April 2024
Lots of cabin and connectivity news bits to catch up on as the week comes to an end…
Iridium poised to open new aero markets
Iridium sees significant potential for expanding its adoption in the aviation market, moving beyond safety services messaging into new and as yet untapped markets.
Croatia Airlines taps PAC for A220 Wi-Fi
Croatia Airlines will launch its first in-flight internet service later this year on its A220 fleet, powered by Panasonic Avionics.
Airlines, Airplanes & Airports
Avelo looks to Mexico, Dominican Republic for international growth
Avelo is looking to collect some passport stamps. The carrier applied on Friday for authority to operate flights from the US to both Mexico and the Dominican Republic.
XB-1 takes flight, beginning path to supersonic
Boom’s XB-1 can fly. The “demonstrator” aircraft got off the ground in Mojave today for a quick pass through the pattern.
airBaltic "exploring" United States service options
airBaltic is looking to spread its wings further, with an application this week for authority to operate flights to the United States.
Alaska Access: A new subscription play by Alaska Airlines
Alaska Airlines continues its push into the subscription services model with the introduction of Alaska Access. The program promises early access to sale fares and a Wi-Fi discount among its benefits
JetBlue slashes at LAX, seeks more profitable route network
Lots of cuts are coming on the JetBlue route map this summer. The carrier will trim more than a dozen routes and close five stations as part of its push to find profitability.
Seating & Cabin
In search of sleep: innovation targets snoozers for 2024 Crystal Cabin Award
Is there a better way to get a good night’s sleep without splurging for a business class bed? The 2024 collection of Crystal Cabin Award applicants certainly think so, with several nominations covering that segment.
Upstarts get creative in economy class for 2024 Crystal Cabin Awards
The economy cabin is typically optimized for airline profit over customer comfort, but that doesn’t mean all creativity is lost. Here are a few upstarts looking to move the market and win a 2024 Crystal Cabin Award.
JetBlue boosting crew on Mint A321neo planes
JetBlue is boosting staffing on its newest Mint-configured planes in a move that appears to be tied to the mini-suite doors and “regulatory clarification” from the FAA.
Loyalty
Breeze boosts loyalty play with co-brand credit card
Launching a co-branded credit card is one of the major milestones in the maturity of a US airline, and Breeze Airways can now tick that box.
Points pooling comes to United’s MileagePlus program
Pooling of loyalty points is not new. But typically it is implemented by smaller airlines and comes with far more restrictions than what United is launching.
Ads, points to open Wi-Fi access on American Airlines
American Airlines is updating the way passengers connect to inflight Wi-Fi services, including a limited free option.
PaxEx Update
The Weekly Wrap: GX+ North America and Spirit’s New Loyalty Program
In this edition of The Weekly Wrap we’re chatting with Philip Balaam, president of Inmarsat Aviation, about the company’s tie-up with Hughes to create a new in-flight connectivity solution, GX+ North America. Plus FreeSpirit, OpenIFC, and showers in the sky.
APEX Weekly Wrap: Airline CEO Shuffles and Using Data to Manage Risk Volatility
This episode of the APEX Weekly Wrap reflects on a week of senior staffing news, following announcements that both British Airways CEO Alex Cruz and Virgin Australia CEO Paul Scurrah will step aside, and way more.
Swanky cabins for space or safety: The Weekly Wrap
Swanky space cabins and safer airline cabins lead this week’s episode, while more options for buying blocked seats are reaching the market. Add some more nutritional food on board and this Weekly Wrap is ready to fly!
Long live the Queen: The Weekly Wrap
Some 747 farewells transitioning into possible electric aircraft growth. Plus an interview about the upcoming FTE/APEX Virtual Expo and lots more!
Connections and Connectivity: The Weekly Wrap
This week we’re talking about a big new partnership connecting passengers JetBlue and American Airlines, as well as how Middle East Airlines will be getting connected with Panasonic Avionics.