Mobile satellite communications specialist Inmarsat has completed construction of the final four satellite access stations (SAS) for its Global Xpress (GX) fleet.

Lufthansa said flight modes on personal electronic devices (PED) could soon become obsolete, enabling passengers to keep smartphones, tablets and laptops switched on from gate-to-gate.

The European Aviation Safety Agency (EASA) has approved the use of portable electronic devices (PEDs) in transmitting mode through all stages of a flight, following a safety assessment process.

Airline News

US Customs and Border Protection (CBP) has launched a limited trial at Atlanta Hartsfield-Jackson International Airport (ATL) of a program that allows passengers arriving on international flights to use a smartphone app in place of a paper customs form.

British Airways is rolling out cabin upgrades across 18 of its Boeing 747s, which will be equipped with improved inflight entertainment and modern interiors.

Finnair CEO Pekka Vauramo has hinted he is on the verge of announcing aircraft connectivity plans, which could include a fleet-wide rollout of passenger Wi-Fi.

Inflight connectivity provider AeroMobile is expecting to sign up at least two new airlines this year and grow its installed fleet 50% within the next 12 months.