Connexion successor emerges
A group of companies have teamed up to form a new venture in a bid to fill the void left by the closure last year of Boeing's Connexion broadband internet service. Washington DC-based AirStellar is offering to integrate its proposed internet and live television service onto existing in-flight entertainment systems at no expense to airlines. "Formed by leading companies in satellite and mobile communications to fill the void left by the closing of Connexion by Boeing, AirStellar provides a seamless infotainment solution for airline passengers," it says. AirStellar partners include Intelsat, WorldCell, iDirect Technologies, Singapore Technologies Engineering and VT Miltope. It has not revealed any other details, only saying that more information will be released shortly. Several of Connexion's 11 former customers including Lufthansa are looking for a replacement service.
Emirates eyes new airport
Emirates plans to transfer to the new $33 billion Dubai World Central International Airport after the new facility has enough capacity to support its fast-expanding operation. Dubai World Central, located on the 140km2 Jebel Ali site south of the city, will eventually have six runways and be capable of handling 120 million passengers per year. But when it becomes operational at the end of this year, with one runway and a cargo terminal, it will not have nearly enough capacity to support Emirates. The carrier estimates it will be at least 2012 before a second phase is completed, giving Emirates the 100 gates it needs.
Qatar cleared for Australia
Qatar Airways is poised to become the fourth Middle Eastern carrier serving Australia following the forging of a new air service agreement between the Australian and Qatari governments. The deal, negotiated in mid-March, will allow Qatar Airways to launch flights from Doha to Melbourne this year and service to a second Australian city next year. Qatar's entry into the market will give Qantas and other kangaroo route operators yet another competitor. Abu Dhabi-based Etihad Airways launched flights to Sydney in late March, joining Emirates, Gulf Air and about 15 carriers from outside the Middle East in operating the kangaroo route.
Source: Airline Business
