Inmarsat, GDC Technics, ThinKom Update GX Antenna, Terminal Options

JetWave is no longer the only option for Inmarsat GX Aviation customers. Airlines can now choose a terminal and antenna solution from GDC Technics and ThinKom to support their Ka-band in-flight connectivity needs. The next-generation terminal includes a robust flat-panel antenna developed by ThinKom. In addition, it has been integrated with smart dual aero modem technology that supports all of Inmarsat’s current and future GX satellites, including the GX+ network. Airlines using the legacy terminal cannot roam on to the GX+ Hughes network today.

Paxex.Aero | Related Inmarsat and GDC Technics develop advanced new terminal to optimise performance of GX Aviation inflight broadband — Inmarsat

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Delta Introduces Vyv Antimicrobial LED Lighting

Delta will install Vyv antimicrobial LED (non-UV) lighting above lavatory sinks and countertops on its 757-200 fleet, beginning in mid-November through early 2021. The airline first announced a partnership with Vyv (formerly known as Vital Vio) at CES 2020 in January. With the onset of the pandemic, the companies collaborated to accelerate bringing the technology to market. Delta plans to conduct further tests in 2021 before potentially installing these lights on other aircraft in the future.

APEX Media | Related Booth Speaker Series CES 2020: Partnering with startups — Delta Air Lines

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KLM Bailout Frozen Over Union Inaction

KLM was due to receive $4 billion in aid from the Dutch government. That plan is now on ice as unions refused to agree to hold their wages static through 2025. Pilots previously agreed to a two-year freeze but were unwilling to extend it to five years in time to meet the funding deadline. KLM CEO Pieter Elbers suggests that the carrier still has sufficient funds to operate for “a few months,” but that longer term viability depends on the government aid.

Reuters | Related KLM’s Bailout Has Been Suspended – What’s Next For The Airline? — Simple Flying

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Delta Retires its Last Boeing 777 Aircraft

The final Delta Air Lines flights operated by Boeing 777 aircraft took place over the weekend, bringing closure to a 21-year run. The company announced the retirement of its 18 777s in May, citing fleet simplification and COVID-induced demand challenges as reasons for the move. “Retiring a fleet as iconic as the 777 is not an easy decision. I know it has a direct impact on many of you who fly, crew, and service these jets,” Delta CEO Ed Bastian wrote in a letter to employees earlier this year. “However, parking this fleet will provide significant cost savings over the next several years.”

Airline Geeks | Related Emirates to swap some Boeing 777X orders for 787s — Executive Traveller

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NXTCOMM Pushes Forward With ESA Testing

Electronically steered antenna (ESA) manufacturer NXTCOMM leased capacity on Eutelsat E117WA for Ku-band capacity to test its products. The company intends to begin live testing of its systems with the satellite later this month. The deal also allows NXTCOMM to resell its capacity to “customers seeking a differentiated connectivity experience,” according to the release. Initial, low-rate production of the antenna kits is slated to begin in 2021, with increased rates expected as customer adoption increases. The company also anticipates testing of its Ka-band solution later in 2021.

Nxtcomm | Related APEX Weekly Wrap: NXTCOMM’s Plans to Disrupt the IFC Market — APEX Media

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Ryanair Reports Rare Summer Losses, Refuses Refunds

Ryanair has never reported a loss for the summer but this year, traffic was 80% lower, leading to a loss of $230 million for the six months ending 30 September. The company also announced it will not offer passengers refunds for plans scuppered by the new UK lockdown announced over the weekend, if the flight still operates. Travelers will, however, be permitted a free flight change option.

Reuters | Related Covid: Ryanair will not offer refunds for November flights — BBC

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AirAsia Adds Healthcare to App

The AirAsia digital app platform added a new section, called Health, over the weekend, delivering what it calls “end-to-end medical services” across the ASEAN region. AirAsia partnered with reputable medical providers and hospitals, and services offered through the platform include professional consultations; booking treatments such as health screenings, aesthetics, wellness and fertility sessions; on-ground logistics services such as flights, accommodation; and support services such as medical visas and medical companions. The company is launching with a promotion on COVID PCR tests to help boost travel overall.

AirAsia | Related JetBlue and Northwell Direct Partner to Provide Long-Term Health Solutions to COVID-19 — JetBlue

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> Tweet of the Day

At rollout, XB-1 carried the name of each and every Boom team member onto the runway. We’re immensely proud of our team and all they accomplished building this groundbreaking aircraft. Here’s to the supersonic future!

Boom Supersonic @boomaero

APEX0415v3 Request For Comments

The HDR update of APEX0415 is nearly done and the Working Group requests your input. After approval for the work at the January 2020 TECH meeting and in spite of COVID impact, after six months of activity being led by co-chairs Andy Rosen of DSR, Juraj Siska of Ideanova, and Philip Watson of Panasonic Avionics and assisted by about a dozen faithful working group members, the result of their work to more clearly specify HDR for IFE use is now open for comments. Most notable changes are the addition of a 1080p HDR profile (§5.2.5), a display requirements section (§9), and HDR best practices (§10.7). Please review the spec in the APEX Member’s Only section, Resources/Technical Specifications and provide comments by 29 November 2020. A changed marked version is provided for your convenience. Send comments to Nicole Blackshear at nblackshear@apex.aero.