Inmarsat’s EAN Satellite & US Security Measures: APEX Daily Experience Week in Review
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Here are the most-read stories from this week’s APEX Daily Experience newsletters. To receive breaking passenger experience industry news in your inbox on a daily basis, subscribe here.
Faster In-Flight Wi-Fi Will Challenge Embedded IFE Systems, Says Inmarsat
CNBC | JUNE 26, 2017
Airlines could soon abandon their in-flight entertainment systems because of faster in-flight Wi-Fi browsing speeds, according to Inmarsat. “For long-haul, there are a lot of people speculating whether in-flight entertainment, those big heavy costly systems, will survive once customers can entertain themselves … It is a big cost to airlines that could be removed in the future,” said Inmarsat CEO Rupert Pearce, appearing as a guest today on CNBC’s Squawk Box. “Surveys show that people would rather have Wi-Fi than eat, people would rather have Wi-Fi than arrive on time, or be put together with their bags at the end of the journey.”
Dave Davis on the Current State of In-Flight Connectivity and Its Future – Part 2
APEX MEDIA | JUNE 29, 2017
In part two of APEX Media’s interview with Dave Davis, Global Eagle Entertainment’s former chief executive officer shares his thoughts on in-flight Wi-Fi pricing models and retailing opportunities, the promise of personalization within in-flight entertainment and connectivity and the potential impact of the electronics ban on the IFEC industry. Davis also speaks about his future plans : “One of the things I’ve been focusing on is an investment fund that I started with a partner. We’re looking at investing in assets across different aspects of the satellite, connectivity and telecoms space.”
AirFi Makes ITV Content Available in Flight on Same Day as UK Transmission
APEX MEDIA | JUNE 28, 2017
Portable onboard Wi-Fi platform provider AirFi and ITV, the UK’s largest commercial broadcaster, have teamed up to make ITV’s content available in flight on the same day as UK transmission. The partnership, which was announced at FTE Dublin this week, means that passengers will have access to series including Coronation Street, Emmerdale and Love Island on the same day as viewers watching at home. According to AirFi CEO Job Heimerikx, this is possible due to AirFi Box’s efficient content upload cycles and an extremely flexible content licensing structure. The launch customer for the AirFi/ITV service will be revealed in the coming weeks, and the content will be available on board shortly thereafter.
TAP Portugal Rolls Back the Clock With First Retrojet Livery
BREAKING TRAVEL NEWS | JUNE 27, 2017
TAP Portugal debuted its first retro aircraft livery today. The Airbus A330, named “Portugal,” features the original “Transport Aéreos Portugueses” typography and colors, which first appeared on a Lockheed Super Constellation aircraft received by the airline in July 1955. The livery is part of a series celebrating the connection between the Portuguese flag carrier, its home country and its people. TAP has 53 new aircraft on order, including 14 A330-900neos and 29 A320neos, which will support its planned international long-haul expansion.
Guestlogix Rebooted: In-Flight Retail Specialist Rebrands and Relaunches at FTE Europe
APEX MEDIA | JUNE 26, 2017
With a new look and loyalty-focused brand promise, Guestlogix appeared with a booth and a public statement today at FTE Europe in Dublin, Ireland. According to the announcement, Guestlogix will “develop solutions that will help airlines ‘close the gap’ in passenger experience and transform their operational approach to retailing, support airline revenue goals and empower all airline staff.” To help rebuild trust in the firm and drive the company’s new vision, Guestlogix has installed an all-new management team led by CEO Mike Abramsky, who previously served as managing director of RBC Capital Markets and president of fintech company ARGUS Software.
Industry Groups Say Airlines Will Struggle With Tighter US Security Deadlines
BLOOMBERG | JUNE 30, 2017
Airlines and overseas airports may struggle to meet deadlines for complying with the US government’s enhanced security requirements for flights to the country, say airline industry groups. According to the Financial Times, airlines have been given three weeks to implement certain security protocols and 120 days for those remaining. IATA said in a memo that the Department of Homeland Security’s directives, which were issued on Wednesday, give airports a short timeline for implementing the measures. It noted that explosive trace detection equipment and bomb-sniffing dogs, which are required under the directives, aren’t readily available in all of the 280 airports affected.
