PaxEx News

View from the Wing

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American Airlines limits complimentary elite upgrades to business class on select three-cabin domestic routes

Starting Aug. 25, American Airlines will stop upgrading eligible economy passengers directly into business class on certain long-haul domestic flights with separate premium-economy and business cabins. Economy elites will instead be eligible for premium economy, while business-class upgrades will begin from premium economy; the broader AAdvantage overhaul also adds cash-and-miles bookings, expanded Wi-Fi and new Loyalty Point Rewards.

PaxEx.Aero

Viasat’s Inflight Connectivity Revenue Reaches $324 Million as Installed Fleet Hits Record

Viasat reported $324 million in inflight connectivity revenue last quarter, alongside a record number of aircraft equipped with its service. However, the company’s shrinking installation backlog points to a potentially slowing pipeline for future aircraft additions and raises questions about longer-term growth.

Wall Street Journal

Airlines Push Back as ICE Uses Airport Flight Manifests to Arrest Travelers With Lapsed Visas

Federal agents are using airline flight manifests to identify and arrest travelers with expired visas at airports, prompting airlines to object over operational safety, enforcement protocols and the role of carriers in immigration actions. The dispute raises questions about coordination between federal authorities and airport operators.

ch-aviation

Nigeria threatens sanctions, possible suspension of Royal Air Maroc over passenger-rights violations

The Nigerian Civil Aviation Authority says it may impose stricter sanctions on Royal Air Maroc, including recommending a suspension of the airline’s Nigerian operations. The regulator cited repeated alleged violations of passenger rights and broader regulatory non-compliance, escalating pressure on the Moroccan carrier in a key African market.

Aircraft Interiors International

AirFi launches AirFunnl to cut inflight-entertainment file sizes by up to 45%

AirFi has launched AirFunnl, a media delivery stack designed to streamline the distribution of inflight-entertainment content. The technology reduces average file sizes by up to 45%, lowering distribution costs and shortening deployment times for streaming IFE.

Bloomberg

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Jetstar to monetize overhead-bin access as Qantas agrees to sell Jetstar Japan

From 2 February 2027, Jetstar will replace its 7kg cabin-baggage allowance with size-based rules, charging separately for larger bags stored overhead and priority boarding. Separately, Qantas has agreed to divest its entire stake in Jetstar Japan in a deal valued at about ¥8.2 billion ($52 million), expected to close by June 2027.

Flying Magazine

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FAA awards $870 million for airport infrastructure, safety and passenger upgrades

The FAA is awarding $870 million for airport improvements, with funding directed toward infrastructure upgrades, safety enhancements and more family-friendly features. The grants underscore continued federal investment in airport facilities and passenger-facing infrastructure, though the announcement provides no further breakdown of recipients or individual project amounts.

Bloomberg

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India opens probe after Air India A320neo loses 300 feet in severe turbulence, injuring 17

Air India Flight AI2379 from Phuket to Delhi experienced severe clear-air turbulence and a reported 300-foot altitude loss during cruise. Seventeen passengers were injured, while the Airbus A320neo landed safely in Delhi; Indian authorities have opened an investigation into the aircraft’s momentary altitude variation.