NEC joins SITA’s Digital Travel Ecosystem: SITA and NEC have signed an agreement to accelerate the adoption of digital identity technology in the travel industry. Through this collaboration, NEC joins SITA’s Digital Travel Ecosystem, an open, interoperable framework that connects various systems for real-time digital identity verification. Developed in partnership with Indicio, SITA’s ecosystem eliminates the need for direct integrations between issuers and verifiers, simplifying adoption for airports, airlines, and governments. At the core of the ecosystem is the Trust Network, which governs how digital credentials are shared securely around the world. Built with a privacy-by-design approach, it gives travellers control over their data, including when and with whom they share their credentials. Strong emphasis on data security and privacy means that personal information remains protected and in the hands of the traveller. With 28% of airlines and 43% of airports planning to implement biometric identity management solutions in the next 12 months (SITA Air Transport IT Insights 2024), demand for interoperable systems is growing. A lack of standardization has slowed widespread adoption, but the SITA-NEC collaboration addresses this challenge through a scalable framework for secure identity exchange. By addressing longstanding interoperability challenges, the SITA and NEC collaboration will increase the adoption of digital identities by passengers, helping the industry reduce bottlenecks, improve security, and enhance the passenger experience at every touchpoint.
Gen24 Becomes Simnest’s first customer in India: Gen24 FLYBIZ, sister concern of Avion, has signed a contract for a Simnest A320 FNPT II MCC simulator, which will be installed at its soon-to-open Avion Flight Training Centre (AFTC) in Mumbai, India. This simulator is the first Simnest device to be operated in Asia, underscoring the company’s growing international presence. Simnest Aviation and Avion officially announced at APATS 2024 in Singapore that Simnest Aviation has appointed Avion as its exclusive sales and service partner in the Asia-Pacific region. At the same time, Avion revealed its intention to operate a fixed-base FNPT II MCC simulator from Simnest Aviation in addition to the planned eight full flight simulators at its Avion Flight Training Centre (AFTC) under construction in Mumbai, India, with sister company Gen24 FLYBIZ. The new simulator of Gen24 FLYBIZ will be equipped with OEM side sticks and seats, fully enclosed flight deck, instructor box and a seat shaker system, among other enhancements. Simnest Aviation is set to deliver the Simnest A320 FNPT II MCC device at the AFTC in Mumbai in the second half of 2025, marking another historic milestone for both the Hungarian simulator manufacturer and Gen24 FLYBIZ.
Lufthansa Systems expands Lido solutions: Lufthansa Systems is collaborating with SkAI Data Services to increase flight safety by detecting and mitigating real-time GPS spoofing. The integration of the GPSwise detection solution from SkAI Data Services into the navigation solutions Lido mPilot and Lido eRoute Manual adds a new layer of protection to both airborne and ground operations. This enables pilots and airline operations teams to respond quickly and effectively to spoofing threats, ensuring greater efficiency and supporting safe, reliable flight operations. Unlike GPS jamming, which disrupts satellite signals and causes receivers to fail temporarily, GPS spoofing actively feeds false position, altitude, and timing data into aircraft navigation systems. In cooperation with the Zurich University of Applied Sciences – Centre for Aviation, SkAI Data Services developed a solution that uses real-time ADS-B data analysis to detect GPS spoofing and jamming activity. The service will be available in the Lido charting applications Lido mPilot for iOS and Lido eRoute Manual for Windows. These airborne applications provide pilots with real-time GPS spoofing information and support in-flight mitigation strategies. In addition to cockpit integration, airline operations teams are supported with access to the GPSwise web application, which highlights spoofing trends and affected aircraft. Furthermore, SkAI Data Services generates daily email reports, highlighting spoofed aircraft within the fleet and supporting proactive maintenance and mitigation efforts.
Sabre and CellPoint Digital strengthen payments ecosystem: Sabre Corporation and CellPoint Digital have entered into a new agreement aimed at reshaping the airline payments landscape. This deal gives airlines using SabreSonic and Radixx access to a wide range of payment methods and value-added services, streamlining payment processes, enhancing the user experience, and reducing operational costs. Thanks to the integration of Sabre and CellPoint Digital, airlines now have the freedom to choose from an extensive range of payment options, including international card networks commonly used for global transactions, digital wallets and other non-card-based methods that offer consumers more flexibility at checkout, alternative ways to pay that might include deferred payment or mobile-based solutions, and direct bank-to-bank transfers enabled by real-time or open banking systems, to name a few. “We are excited to work with CellPoint Digital to offer airlines flexibility and choice in payment solutions,” said Nicolas Ortiz Luengo, Senior Director, Travel Payments Product at Sabre. “This agreement highlights our commitment to helping airlines improve their payments strategies by enhancing the user experience and reducing costs. Seamlessly integrating CellPoint Digital helps airlines optimize their payment strategies, ensuring secure transactions and support for increasingly used alternative forms of payment. With a wide variety of payment options available, the collaboration drives greater efficiency and satisfaction in the airline industry.”
Embraer to offer Intelsat’s factory installed Wi-Fi: Embraer has finalised an agreement with Intelsat to install its high-speed in-flight connectivity system on E-Jet E2s during aircraft production. The system, with transmission speeds up to 275Mbps, gives passengers in the sky a similar streaming and surfing experience to their home networks. The Intelsat product is the first multi-orbit satellite system to incorporate an Electronically Steered Array (ESA) antenna, which for passengers means wider coverage, faster transmission, and greater reliability. The Intelsat ESA, which is offered as an option, will be available for line-fit by the end of this year. Intelsat’s LEO network has low latency (the delay between sending and receiving data) and covers the entire Earth, including the polar regions. The GEO network is ideal for more densely populated areas, like big cities. The ESA antenna itself is lightweight. Its low profile (less than 3 inches) generates less drag compared to other designs. This helps minimize fuel consumption in keeping with Embraer’s commitment to ensuring the E2’s sustainability characteristics.
Viasat Launches Amara: Viasat announced its next-generation solution for commercial aviation, Viasat Amara. Powering the new IFC solution are innovations in core satellite network design, hardware advancements, and a suite of digital products. Coupled with additional features, including smart network enhancements and application-level data linking to satellites in multiple orbits, Viasat Amara is designed with powerful scalability so airlines can differentiate a future-proof onboard passenger experience. “Viasat Amara goes far beyond fast and free high-speed Wi-Fi,” said Don Buchman, SVP & GM, Global Commercial Aviation, Viasat. “It’s a cutting-edge solution designed to meet the unique needs of each airline and every individual user – and in real-time across a smart multi-orbit network. Our pioneering mission remains to help our airline customers maximize connectivity’s enormous potential for brand, loyalty, and growth.” Viasat Amara offers optimized, multi-network connectivity today via a simple software upgrade with Viasat’s proven terminal, which is deployed on more than 3,000 aircraft around the world servicing approximately 10,000 flights per day. No additional hardware is required.
AerFin and Iberia Maintenance strengthen aftermarket services: AerFin and Iberia Maintenance have signed a Strategic Repair Services Agreement on Used Serviceable Material (USM). The agreement marks a new phase of collaboration aimed at delivering enhanced, cost-effective support for airlines worldwide. Iberia Maintenance and AerFin already collaborate, as Iberia Maintenance purchases engine parts from AerFin. This agreement brings together AerFin’s industry-leading supply of USM and in-house MRO capabilities with Iberia Maintenance’s renowned expertise in engine and airframe maintenance — offering airlines more efficient, flexible and sustainable aftermarket solutions backed by technical excellence on both sides. In addition, the two companies have signed a Memorandum of Understanding (MOU) to explore broader collaboration opportunities across their respective business lines and the wider International Airlines Group (IAG). This expanded partnership recognises both AerFin and Iberia Maintenance, as trusted providers of high-quality aviation aftermarket services, committed to maximising value and operational efficiency for their customers.
Caribbean Airlines lunches Blueview IFE: Bluebox Aviation Systems announced Caribbean Airlines’ expanded deployment of the Blueview wireless in-flight entertainment (IFE) solution across its ATR72 fleet and its Boeing 737-NG aircraft, providing passengers with seamless access to a comprehensive suite of content, including Movies, TV programmes, Music, Games, and the passenger-favourite, Moving Map. This launch marks Bluebox’s return as a Caribbean Airlines supplier, following their initial deployment of Blueview on the airline’s Boeing 737 fleet in 2018. Caribbean Airlines warmly welcomes Bluebox back in 2025, extending their successful partnership to the airline’s ATR72 turboprop fleet. Caribbean Airlines CEO, Garvin Medera, commented: “Having previously experienced Bluebox’s reliability and user-friendly interface on our fleet, we’re happy to bring Blueview to our passengers, and to introduce it to our ATR fleet. With the expansion of our network, and the ATR being used on more routes, it was important to introduce reliable IFE. The intuitive design is one of our favourite features, significantly enhancing passenger engagement and satisfaction onboard.”
Cyient Group and Deutsche Aircraft sign cabin management deal: Cyient DLM has expanded its strategic partnership with Deutsche Aircraft. Through this prospective multi-year contract, Cyient DLM will undertake the design, development and manufacturing of the Cabin Management System (CMS) for the D328eco, a next-generation 40-seater regional turboprop. This collaboration marks a significant milestone, as it will be one of Deutsche Aircraft’s first electronics programmes designed and manufactured entirely in India, in support of the “Make in India” initiative. The CMS chosen by Deutsche Aircraft boasts a user-friendly touchscreen interface, allowing crew members and passengers to effortlessly control various functions, including cabin lighting, passenger signs and lavatory operations. With a focus on enhancing passenger well-being, the CMS enables the easy adjustment of lighting intensity, tailored to activities such as working in-flight or encouraging rest and relaxation.
Red Sea Airlines expands Fokker programme: Fokker Services Group (FSG) and Red Sea Airlines announced the expansion of Red Sea Airlines’ participation in FSG’s Boeing 737NG nose-to-tail programme. With the addition of two more Boeing 737-800 aircraft, Red Sea Airlines has now grown its participation in the programme by 100% compared to the original scope signed in October 2024. As part of this program, FSG will continue servicing a broad range of components—including IDGs, engine accessories, hydraulic actuators, valves, cockpit controls, instruments, and more—while advancing key investments in inventory to support its expanding Boeing 737NG nose-to-tail offering, which now serves an increasing number of legacy Boeing operators. Hazem Soltan, Technical Services and Contract Manager at Red Sea Airlines, commented: “When we launched the initial phase of this program, we had high expectations—and FSG delivered. Their reliability and flexibility have been key in ensuring component availability for our high-utilization business model. This early success gave us the confidence to double down on our commitment within just six months. We see FSG as a long-term partner, and we expect this program to keep growing alongside our ambitious fleet expansion in the years ahead.”
Satair and Champion Aerospace sign distribution agreement: Satair and Champion Aerospace have signed a multi-year distribution agreement extending their successful 40-year partnership. This new agreement reaffirms their collaboration on the global distribution of Champion’s turbine engine ignition products. Under the terms of the signed agreement, Satair has been granted exclusive commercial aftermarket distribution rights to Champion’s igniters, exciters, and ignition leads. This strengthened partnership enhances Satair’s product portfolio while continuing to deliver high-quality solutions and technical support to operators worldwide. Satair also announced it and Collins Aerospace have signed a four-year extension of their cabin interior parts distribution agreement, continuing a relationship that has spanned more than 50 years. The agreement continues to ensure products can be delivered quickly and efficiently, with distribution rights of Collins’ line of oxygen systems, Goodrich lighting solutions, and beverage makers for Airbus, Boeing and many other platforms. The strategic agreement combines the inventory management, forecasting and delivery expertise of Satair with Collins’ premium cabin interior solutions. It covers emergency supplemental oxygen equipment, galley equipment for on-board beverage service, and a range of cabin and external lighting products, including logo, wing, landing, navigation, emergency, anti-collision and taxi lights.
Embraer and Kenya Airways sign inventory planning deal: Embraer and Kenya Airways signed an agreement for the Embraer Collaborative Inventory Planning (ECIP) programme, which will optimise its inventory levels and reduce its operational costs for its E190 jets. The contract will provide support for 13 aircraft. Kenya Airways is an Embraer customer since 2006 and flies to 45 destinations worldwide, 37 of which are in Africa, connecting over 5 million passengers. ECIP offers several advantages to customers. First, most of the inventory investment is made by Embraer, reducing substantially the investment usually carried out by customers. Also, fixed yearly pricing for each part allows customers to balance costs more precisely with performance levels guaranteed by Embraer Services & Support. The operation is data-driven, with a weekly ordering recommendation based on customer usage and stock level data that is created utilizing advanced software and Embraer Planning experience shared collaboratively. Finally, all customers participating in ECIP can count on Embraer’s materials management expertise on a customised and flexible solution for spare parts management.
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