Podcast 049: Gogo COO talks 2Ku as multiple airlines roll out service

08/18/17 • 21 min

First, Gogo recently revealed that equipage of its 2Ku inflight connectivity system to aircraft only takes two days. John explains how the firm achieved this remarkable install time and why it's good news for the multiple airlines which are rolling out the broadband offering.

Next, Delta Air Lines will soon be flying the Airbus A350, becoming the first North American operator of the type! This aircraft will feature a passenger-pleasing 9-abreast configuration (which is standard). And it was fitted with 2Ku by the Airbus Corporate Jet center, before being delivered to the airline. Savvy travelers are excited about this aircraft. John informs us about what some of the #PaxEx will be like on board the A350 with 2Ku, and talks about Gogo's latest stats on passengers' smart phone/tablet versus laptop usage in-flight.

Last but not least, global connectivity provider iPass recently announced it is offering very cost efficient plans that cover connectivity across airports, hotels and in-flight on Gogo-fitted US domestic aircraft and on some Panasonic Ku-fitted international aircraft. Co-hosts Max Flight and Mary Kirby talk to John about why seamless connectivity across all touchpoints of the passenger experience is so important, and why there are still opportunities to improve.

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Podcast 048: Designing IFEC from the ground up to shape #PaxEx

First, Panasonic recently unveiled its NEXT inflight entertainment and connectivity system, which will debut in full on the Boeing 777X. Co-hosts Max Flight and Mary Kirby get the low-down from Jon about what this platform ecosystem will mean for the passenger experience.

Next, we hear a lot about how nose-to-tail connectivity on aircraft will improve operations (and indeed safety). Panasonic is on the forefront of aircraft e-enablement; Jon gives us update on some of the progress being made, and how are airlines benefitting.

Finally, it’s no secret that #PaxEx suppliers benefit from gaining what’s called “linefit offerability” with airframers, as it means that their systems and services are offered as part of the airframer’s catalogue, and can be installed for airlines on the production line. But Runway Girl Network has observed some confusion in the market. Since we have Jon on the show, he discusses the difference between what constitutes “linefit” versus “retrofit”, and explains why we’re seeing aircraft roll off the line with antenna radomes atop their fuselages, but no antennas under the hood. "One of the things which I think probably isn't fully understood is the level of qualification and certification that you have to go through to get approval from an airframer for linefit is above the level of qualification and certification required for retrofit because airframers tend to have higher levels of expectations of how that system should interact, be integrated with their aircraft," says Norris.

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Podcast 050: Flyers Rights makes the case for aircraft seat pitch and width standards

First, the Daily Beast has conducted an investigation into aircraft seat testing, and found that much of the data is woefully out of date. Flyers Rights has been tracking the seat safety and seat testing topic for some time. Kendall gives her thoughts on the findings of the Daily Beast report, and also highlights a separate report suggesting that the aircraft seat crunch is creating an environment ripe for sexual assault on board.

Next, Flyers Rights recently won a judicial victory, when the Federal Court of Appeals for the D.C. Circuit ordered the FAA to reconsider its decision not to place a moratorium on further seat size reduction. This is a major coup for Flyers Rights, and could spur change in the passenger experience. Kendall talks to co-hosts Max Flight and Mary Kirby about the next steps, and why Flyers Rights is fighting for minimum seat pitch and seat width standards of 28 inches and 18 inches, respectively. Mary makes the case for why the FAA should be transparent about its test data.

Last but not least – and this is a topic that the Airplane Geeks podcast has been regularly addressing – a House bill that would privatize air traffic control has proven quite controversial within industry. Though the bill has garnered a lot of news headlines, The Seattle Times is reporting that the prospects of a bill passing the Senate now appear quite slim. Kendall explains Flyers Rights' stand on the issue, and why the organization fears privatization could impact aviation safety.