Spirit Airlines prices its offering of 10,594,073 shares of its common stock at $35.05 a share

Spirit Airlines has announced it has priced its underwritten public offering of $440,000,000 aggregate principal amount of 1.00% convertible senior notes due 2026 (the “Convertible Notes” and such offering, the “Convertible Notes Offering”). The net proceeds to Spirit from the Convertible Notes Offering, after deducting underwriting discounts and other offering expenses, are expected to be approximately $428.3 million.

Spirit has granted the underwriters of the Convertible Notes Offering a 30-day option to purchase up to $60,000,000 aggregate principal amount of additional Convertible Notes, solely to cover over-allotments, in the Convertible Notes Offering. The Convertible Notes will be convertible by holders if certain conditions are met, and during certain periods, based on an initial conversion rate of 20.3791 shares of common stock per $1,000 principal amount of the Convertible Notes, which is equivalent to a conversion price of approximately $49.07 per share, representing a premium of approximately 40.0% over the last reported sale price of $35.05 per share of Spirit’s common stock on April 28, 2021. Spirit will settle conversions of the Convertible Notes in cash or a combination of cash and shares of common stock, at Spirit’s election.

Spirit also separately priced its registered direct offering of 10,594,073 shares of its common stock at an offering price of $35.05 per share (the “Common Stock Offering”).

Spirit expects to use approximately $368.7 million of the net proceeds from the Common Stock Offering to redeem $340.0 million aggregate principal amount of its 8.00% Senior Secured Notes due 2025 at a redemption price equal to 108.0%, plus accrued and unpaid interest on the principal amount being redeemed up to, but excluding, the redemption date. Spirit expects to use the net proceeds from the Convertible Notes Offering (together with existing cash on hand, if the underwriters do not exercise their option to purchase additional Convertible Notes) to repurchase approximately $146.8 million aggregate principal amount of its outstanding 4.75% Convertible Senior Notes due 2025 (the “2025 Convertible Notes”) for approximately $440.7 million, including accrued and unpaid interest on the 2025 Convertible Notes repurchased, pursuant to privately negotiated agreements with a limited number of current holders of such 2025 Convertible Notes, which agreements are conditioned upon the consummation of the Convertible Notes Offering. Spirit expects to use the remaining net proceeds from the Common Stock Offering and any remaining net proceeds from the Convertible Notes Offering for general corporate purposes. Each of the Common Stock Offering and the Convertible Notes Offering is expected to close on April 30, 2021, subject to customary closing conditions. The closing of neither the Common Stock Offering nor the Convertible Notes Offering is conditioned upon the closing of the other offering.

Above Copyright Photo: Spirit Airlines Airbus A320-271N WL N925NK (msn 9407) FLL (Andy Cripps). Image: 949115.

Spirit Airlines aircraft slide show:

Reuters: FAA orders Boeing to fix some 737 MAX electric systems

Boeing is facing new issues with its 737 MAX, this time affecting 109 aircraft worldwide, including 71 in the United States. Boeing is now halting all deliveries of the type.

From Reuters:

“The U.S. Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) on Wednesday ordered Boeing Company to fix bonding issues in the electrical systems of some of its 737 MAX planes that could lead to a loss of engine ice protection loss and critical functions on the flight deck.

The FAA said the issue affected 109 airplanes worldwide delivered to airlines, including 71 in the United States and warned the issue if not fixed “could affect the operation of certain systems, including engine ice protection, and result in loss of critical functions and/or multiple simultaneous flight deck effects, which may prevent continued safe flight and landing.”

Read the full article.

Avelo Airlines takes off with the first flight between Hollywood-Burbank and Santa Rosa

Avelo Airlines made this announcement:

The inaugural flight from America’s first new mainline airline in nearly 15 years — Avelo Airlines — departed Hollywood Burbank Airport (BUR) this morning for Charles M. Schulz–Sonoma County Airport (STS), the gateway to California’s wine country.

Avelo’s inaugural flight departed BUR at 10:30 a.m. PDT with a scheduled arrival into STS at 11:55 a.m. PDT. The inaugural flight from STS to BUR departs today at 3:55 p.m. local time, with a 5:35 p.m. scheduled arrival at BUR.

Avelo Airlines takes off with first flight between Burbank and Santa Rosa at Hollywood Burbank Airport on April 28, 2021 in Burbank, California. (Photo by Joe Scarnici/Getty Images for Avelo Air)

The route will be served by 189-seat Boeing 737-800 aircraft.

An early afternoon arrival and late afternoon departure from STS will provide leisure travelers with better convenience when planning their trips to and from Los Angeles, wine country and the surrounding Bay Area. Avelo Airlines flight XP 101 departs BUR daily at 3:40 p.m. arriving in STS at 5:05 p.m. local time; flight XP 102 departs STS daily at 5:45 p.m. arriving in BUR at 7:20 p.m.

More Destinations Take Flight This Week

In addition to STS, Avelo will commence service this week between BUR and two preeminent destinations in the Western U.S.

On April 29, Avelo will launch three-times-a-week service between BUR and the Tri-Cities Airport (PSC) in Pasco, Washington. The largest airport in the Southeastern Washington and Northeastern Oregon region, PSC is situated in the vibrant, sunshine-soaked heart of Washington’s sprawling wine country. Avelo Airlines flight XP 103 departs BUR on Tuesdays, Thursdays and Saturdays at 8:00 a.m. arriving in PSC at 10:20 a.m.; flight XP 104 departs PSC at 11:00 a.m. and arrives to BUR at 1:30 p.m.

On April 30, four-times-a-week service will commence between BUR and Bozeman Yellowstone International Airport (BZN), the onramp to Big Sky Country and Yellowstone National Park. Avelo Airlines flight XP 105 departs BUR on Sundays, Mondays, Wednesdays and Fridays at 8:00 a.m.arriving in BZN at 11:25 a.m.; flight XP 106 departs BZN at 12:05 p.m. arriving in BUR at 1:40 p.m.

By late May, Avelo will provide nonstop service between its initial base at BUR and 11 destinations across the Western U.S., including Arcata–Eureka, Redding and Santa Rosa, California; Bend–Redmond, Eugene and Medford, Oregon; Bozeman, Montana; Grand Junction, Colorado; Pasco, Washington; Phoenix–Mesa, Arizona; and Ogden–Salt Lake City, Utah.

Route Map:

Midwest Express still hopes to launch operations

Midwest Express Airlines (2nd) is still trying to get airborne. The COVID-19 pandemic delayed its plans to bring back the Midwest Express name and experience. As previously report, the upstart had previously announced its first routes to Cincinnati, OH (CVG), Omaha, NE (OMA), and Grand Rapids, MI (GRR) from Milwaukee.

The company is hoping that the rising number of people with vaccines and a return of air travel will allow them to commence operations, maybe in 2021.

The comeback with not be with Elite Airways which previously showcased one of its CRJ200s with ME titles.

Midwest Express issued this statement last year:

Midwest Express (ME) announced that it has ended its partnership with Elite Airways. Midwest Express has filed a lawsuit against Elite because Elite breached its agreement with Midwest Express.

Midwest Express and Elite Airways had partnered to launch flying operations for Midwest Express, while Midwest Express pursues its own airline operating certificate and aircraft.

Although Midwest Express is discontinuing its partnership with Elite Airways, Midwest Express president Greg Aretakis says the airline’s plan continues to move forward with a goal of delivering nonstop flights with exceptional customer service. “We are in substantial discussions with other airline operators to bring back nonstop service to Milwaukee,” Aretakis added. “We have received a tremendous amount of support from the business community and former passengers who tell us that they need better options for air travel in Milwaukee; and we intend to deliver it.”

Midwest Express is continuing fundraising efforts. A date has not yet been set for the start of service.

UPS releases its first quarter 2021 earnings

Consolidated Revenue Increased 27%; Growth Across All Segments
Consolidated Operating Profit Up 158% to $2.8B, Up 164% on an Adjusted* Basis
Diluted EPS of $5.47; Adjusted Diluted EPS Up 141% to $2.77

UPS has announced first-quarter 2021 consolidated revenue of $22.9 billion, a 27% increase over the first quarter of 2020. Consolidated average daily volume increased 14.3% year over year. Consolidated operating profit was $2.8 billion, up 158% compared to the first quarter of 2020, and up 164% on an adjusted basis. Diluted earnings per share were $5.47 for the quarter, 393% above the same period in 2020, and up 141% on an adjusted basis.

For the first-quarter of 2021, GAAP results include a net benefit of $2.4 billion, or $2.70 per diluted share, comprised of an after-tax mark-to-market (MTM) pension benefit of $2.5 billion and after-tax transformation and other charges of $140 million. The MTM benefit was primarily driven by the enactment of the American Rescue Plan Act of 2021 (ARPA). The ARPA, which was signed into law on March 11, 2021, protects certain multi-employer pension plans from becoming insolvent through 2051, thereby eliminating the Company’s liability for potential coordinating benefits related to the Central States Pension Fund. Enactment of the ARPA required the Company to remeasure its UPS IBT Pension plan at current discount rates, which have increased since the previous measurement date. The overall result was a reduction in the pension liability of $6.4 billion.

“I want to thank all UPSers for delivering what matters, including COVID-19 vaccines,” said Carol Tomé, UPS chief executive officer. “During the quarter, we continued to execute our strategy under the better not bigger framework, which enabled us to win the best opportunities in the market and drove record financial results.”

U.S. Domestic Segment

1Q 2021

Adjusted

1Q 2021

1Q 2020

Adjusted

1Q 2020

Revenue

$14,010 M

$11,456 M

Operating profit

$1,359 M

$1,463 M

$364 M

$401 M

Revenue increased 22.3%, led by growth from small and medium-sized businesses.
Revenue per piece increased 10.2%, driven by Ground products.
Operating margin was 9.7%; adjusted operating margin was 10.4%.

International Segment

1Q 2021

Adjusted

1Q 2021

1Q 2020

Adjusted

1Q 2020

Revenue

$4,607 M

$3,383 M

Operating profit

$1,085 M

$1,091 M

$551 M

$558 M

Average daily volume grew 23.1%, with export growth from all regions.
Revenue increased 36.2%, led by Asia and Europe.
Operating margin was 23.6%; adjusted operating margin was 23.7%.

Supply Chain and Freight Segment

1Q 2021

Adjusted

1Q 2021

1Q 2020

Adjusted

1Q 2020

Revenue

$4,291 M

$3,196 M

Operating profit

$321 M

$395 M

$157 M

$158 M

Revenue increased 34.3%, driven by strong demand in nearly all businesses.
Operating margin was 7.5%; adjusted operating margin was 9.2%.

_{* “}_{Adjusted” amounts are non-GAAP financial measures. See the appendix to this release for a discussion of non-GAAP financial measures, including a reconciliation to the most closely correlated GAAP measure.}

Outlook

Given continued economic uncertainty, the Company is not providing 2021 revenue or diluted earnings per share guidance; however, it is re-affirming its full-year capital allocation plans. UPS has scheduled its 2021 Investor and Analyst Day for June 9, when it will share further financial details.

Reaffirms Full-Year 2021 Capital Allocation Plans

The sale of UPS Freight is expected to close in the second quarter.
Capital expenditures are planned to be about $4.0 billion.
Long-term debt repayments, including $1.5 billion repaid in the first quarter of 2021, will total $2.5 billion.
Effective tax rate for the remainder of the year is expected to be around 23.5%.
The Company has no plans to repurchase shares.

Top Copyright Photo: UPS Airlines (UPS-Worldwide Services) Boeing 747-8F N626UP (msn 65781) PAE (Nick Dean). Image: 952877.

UP Airlines aircraft slide show:

Neos to operate passenger flights to New York JFK

Neos has officially obtained an approval from the US Department of Transportation (DOT) to operate passenger flights to the United States.

The first route will be Milan Malpensa – New York JFK, twice a week and begins in the second half of June and will be “Covid Tested”.

The route is already active with two weekly frequencies for cargo transport and from June it will also be used for scheduled passenger transport flights.

The operations foresee the departure from Milan Malpensa on Thursdays and Sundays at 12:20 with arrival in New York at 14:50 on the same day, while the return flight will take off at 17:50 from New York with arrival in Milan Malpensa at 7:20 of the following day (local times).

In November 2020, Neos made the first international “Covid Free” flight between Milan and Nanjing, launching a protocol that, still today, represents the only way to travel from one country to another, eliminating the quarantine. The airline has also joined the IATA Travel Pass trial, a ‘digital passport’ that allows passengers to keep their health information on the app, verifiable by airlines and authorities by scanning a QR code. The IATA Travel Pass project will make it possible to streamline and speed up embarkation and disembarkation procedures, offering a safe and secure model for all travelers and their privacy.

Marco Finelli reporting from Italy.

Top Copyright Photo: Neos Boeing 787-9 Dreamliner EI-NEU (msn 38794) PAE (Nick Dean). Image: 944065.

Neos aircraft photo gallery:

Neos aircraft slide show:

LATAM will continue to transport vaccines free

LATAM Airlines Group reported that it will continue to transport vaccines at no cost within the countries where it operates throughout 2021 through its Solidarity Plane program. To date, the group has transported over 23.7 million vaccines against COVID-19 within South America, through more than 300 flights in the domestic markets of Brazil, Chile, Ecuador and Peru.

More than 50 towns have benefited from the doses, including those located in difficult access points including Easter Island in Chile, Galapagos in Ecuador, Iquitos in Peru. In Brazil, doses have been moved to all states, as a result of the country’s current health crisis.

After the arrival of the first shipments of vaccines to the region in December 2020, LATAM made the free transport of doses available to the authorities of the governments of the countries where it has domestic operations.

Since the beginning of the pandemic to date, Solidarity Plane has transported more than 480 tons of medical supplies, benefiting Argentina, Brazil, Chile, Colombia, Ecuador and Peru. At the same time, more than 1,400 organs and tissues were mobilized within South America and the transfer of stem cells was carried out for ten people with blood cancer, who were able to receive a second chance at life. In passenger transport, more than 1.300 health professionals were able to travel to meet different needs related to Covid-19 in the countries that LATAM operates with domestic flights.

Through LATAM Cargo, the group has transported over 48 million vaccines to South America and within the countries in which it operates. LATAM Cargo is the first airline in the American continent, and the only one in the region, to obtain the CEIV Pharma (IATA) certification. This voluntary certificate internationally certifies that facilities, equipment, operations and personnel meet all applicable standards, regulations and guidelines expected by pharmaceutical manufacturers.

Silk Way West Airlines orders five Boeing 777 freighters

Boeing and Silk Way West Airlines have announced the private cargo operator will expand its international network with an order for five 777 Freighters. The deal marks the first purchase of the long-range, high capacity twin-engine freighter in the Caspian region and Central Asia.

Designed to integrate smoothly with existing cargo operations, the 777 Freighter will provide Silk Way West Airlines operational flexibility with five 747-8 Freighters and seven 747-400 Freighters the carrier currently operates.

Founded in 2012 in Baku, Silk Way West Airlines is the largest cargo airline in the Caspian Sea region with an annual cargo turnover of 350,000 tons. Based at Heydar Aliyev International Airport in Baku, the airline operates approximately 350 monthly scheduled flights to 40 destinations around the world.

Hawaiian loses $60.7 million in the first quarter

Hawaiian Holdings, Inc., parent company of Hawaiian Airlines, Inc., today reported its financial results for the first quarter of 2021.

First Quarter 2021 – Key Financial Metrics
	GAAP	YoY Change	Adjusted	YoY Change
Net Loss	($60.7M)	$83.7M	($190.6M)	($156.6M)
Diluted EPS	($1.23)	$1.91	($3.85)	($3.11)
Pre-tax Margin	(42.2)%	(10.9) pts.	(132.4)%	(124.4) pts.

“We reached an important inflection point during the first quarter on our path to recovery with an encouraging rebound in demand, despite the challenges that the COVID-19 pandemic continues to impose on our business. Bookings in North America improved materially as we began to realize the pent up demand for leisure travel after a year of lockdown,” said Peter Ingram , Hawaiian Airlines President and CEO. “I am grateful to my colleagues who continue to connect people with aloha in the face of historic uncertainty. I am more optimistic each day about our progress as we rebuild our network and capitalize on the resilience of Hawai’i as a post-pandemic vacation destination.”

Statistical data, as well as a reconciliation of the reported non-GAAP financial measures, can be found in the accompanying tables.

First Quarter 2021

Financial Results

For the first quarter of 2021, the Company reported a net loss of $60.7 million , and adjusted net loss of $190.6 million .

The Company reported total revenue of $182 million , down 72% compared to the first quarter of 2019, on 49% lower capacity. After a slow start to the year, the Company experienced a rebound in close-in demand in North America in March 2021.

The Company reported total operating expenses of $255.4 million , and operating expenses excluding non-recurring items of $402.7 million , down 33% compared to the first quarter of 2019.

Routes and Network

Throughout the first quarter of 2021, the State of Hawai’i continued its Safe Travels program, which allows guests to avoid quarantine with evidence of a negative COVID-19 test, subject to certain additional county-specific requirements.

The Company continued to rebuild as well as expand its network primarily in North America . During the first quarter, the Company operated an average of 51% of its first quarter system 2019 capacity, comprised of 73%, 38% and 12% of North America , Neighbor Island and International 2019 capacity levels, respectively.

In March and April of 2021, the Company launched four new North America routes. Starting in the summer of 2021, the Company will expand frequencies on the less than daily routes.

Daily service between Kahului , Maui (OGG) and Long Beach (LGB), which started March 9, 2021 .
Twice weekly service between Honolulu’s Daniel K. Inouye International Airport (HNL) and Orlando International Airport (MCO), which started March 11, 2021 .
Five-times-weekly service between Honolulu’s Daniel K. Inouye International Airport (HNL) and Ontario International Airport (ONT), which started March 16, 2021 .
Twice weekly service between Honolulu’s Daniel K. Inouye International Airport (HNL) and Austin-Bergstrom International Airport (AUS), which started April 21, 2021 .

In April 2021 , the Company announced it will initiate four-times-weekly service between Kahului , Maui (OGG) and Phoenix Sky Harbor International Airport (PHX) starting in May 2021 .

Liquidity and Capital Resources

As of March 31, 2021, the Company had:

Unrestricted cash, cash equivalents and short-term investments of $1.9 billion , up $1.0 billion from December 31, 2020
Outstanding debt and finance lease obligations of $2.1 billion , up $852 million from December 31, 2020
Air traffic liability of $687 million , up $154 million from December 31, 2020

The Company further enhanced its liquidity position during the first quarter of 2021, including:

In February 2021 , Hawaiian completed a private placement by Hawaiian Brand Intellectual Property, Ltd., an indirect wholly owned subsidiary of Hawaiian, and HawaiianMiles Loyalty, Ltd., an indirect wholly owned subsidiary of Hawaiian, of an aggregate of $1.2 billion principal amount of 5.75% senior secured notes due 2026.
In March 2021 , the Company completed an at-the-market equity offering (“ATM program”) of shares of its common stock. The Company issued an aggregate of 5.0 million shares through the ATM program, raising net proceeds of $109 million , of which $68 million was raised in the first quarter of 2021.
As of March 31, 2021 , the Company has received $147.3 million in grants and $20.2 million in loans pursuant to the Payroll Support Program Extension Agreement (the “PSP Extension Agreement”) with the U.S. Department of the Treasury.

In February 2021 , the Company repaid in full the $45 million loan from the U.S. Department of Treasury under the Economic Relief Program pursuant to the Coronavirus Aid, Relief, and Economic Security Act (the “CARES Act”). This debt extinguishment resulted in the recognition of a non-operating loss of $4 million.

In February 2021 , the Company repaid $235 million of borrowings under its revolving credit facility, of which the full amount is available to the Company.

In the second quarter of 2021, the Company expects to receive approximately $25.1 million pursuant to the PSP Extension Agreement and approximately $179.7 million in Payroll Support Program funds pursuant to a Payroll Support Program 3 Agreement (“PSP3”) with the U.S. Department of Treasury under the American Rescue Plan Act of 2021.

As of March 31, 2021 , the Company had $2.1 billion in liquidity, including the undrawn portion of its revolver. This figure does not include the $205 million of additional PSP Extension Agreement and PSP3 funding that the Company expects to receive in the second quarter. The Company is confident it has the liquidity to weather the remaining near-term effects of the pandemic and is not currently looking to raise additional capital.

Guest Experience

The Company continues to adapt its policies and services to better meet the needs of its guests. In April 2021 , the Company announced that HawaiianMiles – the currency of its award-winning loyalty program – will no longer expire. This policy comes in addition to the elimination of change fees and the extension of status for Hawaiian’s elite members.

In the first quarter, the Company joined the State of Hawai’i Pre-Clear Program, allowing its guests in both domestic and participating international markets ( Japan and Korea) who are entering the state of Hawai’i to validate their pre-travel testing status at their departure airport and avoid lines upon arrival in Hawai’i.

Starting June 1, 2021 , the Company will bring back more of its signature onboard services, including drink service, complimentary Koloa Breeze cocktails, and a curated assortment of alcoholic beverages and snacks for purchase, in addition to the complimentary meals it has served throughout the pandemic, while maintaining the highest standards of safety for its guests and guest-facing team members.

The Company continues its enhanced cleaning procedures and guest-facing protocols to minimize the risk of transmission of COVID-19. Understanding that health and safety are still critical concerns for our guests, the Company will continue to focus on effective measures such as:

Frequent cleaning and disinfecting of counters and self-service check-in kiosks in airports.
Ensuring hand sanitizers are readily available for guests at airports it serves.
Requiring guests and guest facing employees to wear a face mask or covering, with guests required to wear masks from check-in to deplaning (except when eating or drinking on board).
Performing enhanced aircraft cleaning between flights and during overnight parking.

Awards and Recognition

The Company maintained its #1 national ranking for On-Time Performance for the 17th consecutive year in 2020 as well as in January and February of 2021, as reported in the U.S. Department of Transportation (DOT) Air Travel Consumer Report.

Second Quarter 2021 Outlook

The Company expects to continue to rebuild its network in the second quarter, and expects significant sequential improvement in revenue compared to the first quarter, primarily driven by strength in North America. The Company expects a sequential increase in operating expenses, excluding non-recurring items, driven by the increase in capacity as compared to the first quarter.

The table below summarizes the Company’s expectations for the second quarter ending June 30, 2021 , expressed as an expected percentage change compared to the results for the quarter ended June 30, 2019 , as applicable.

Item	Second Quarter 2021 Guidance	GAAP Equivalent	GAAP Second Quarter 2021 Guidance
ASMs	Down 30 to 33%
Total Revenue	Down 45 to 50%
Operating Expenses, excluding non-recurring items (a)	Down 20 to 24%	Operating Expenses (a)	Down 35 to 39%
Interest Expense	$30 million
Adjusted EBITDAR (b)	($70) million to ($20) million
Effective Tax Rate	~21%
Fuel Price per Gallon	$1.75


(a) See Table 4 for a reconciliation of GAAP operating expenses to operating expenses excluding non-recurring items.
(b) The Company is not providing a reconciliation of adjusted EBITDAR to GAAP net income, the most directly comparable GAAP measure, as it is unable, without unreasonable efforts, to calculate certain special and non-recurring charges, which could have a significant impact on the GAAP measure.

Statistical information, as well as a reconciliation of certain non-GAAP financial measures, can be found in the accompanying tables.

Full Year 2021 Outlook

The Company expects its capital expenditures for the full year of 2021 to be between $50 and $60 million.

Top Copyright Photo: Hawaiian Airlines Airbus A330-243 N386HA (msn 1302) LAX (Michael B. Ing). Image: 952315.

Hawaiian aircraft slide show:

Delta to equip 300 aircraft with high-speed (Ka-Band) satellite connectivity, powered by Viasat, by the end of 2021

Delta Air Lines has made this announcement:

High-speed connectivity coming soon to customers, with plans to equip nearly all domestic mainline fleet with enhanced connectivity by the end of 2022
New Delta Portal Platform, coming this summer, lets customers connect, purchase, browse and stream at high-speed from their device of choice

Whether at home, at work, or on the go, the ways we use our personal devices are rapidly evolving. The need for reliable and fast connectivity has never been more important, which is why Delta is outfitting nearly all of its domestic mainline fleet with best-in-class high-speed Wi-Fi by the end of 2022.

The airline will initially equip more than 300 aircraft with high-speed (Ka-Band) satellite connectivity, powered by Viasat, by the end of 2021 – setting in motion an aggressive installation timeline and scale to modernize the onboard experience.

The new Wi-Fi system delivers a reliable and streaming quality connection to everyone onboard – a critical capability for Delta’s vision for the future customer experience. Beginning in June, customers on Viasat-enabled aircraft will have access to enhanced connectivity for a simple and consistent $8 per flight per device no matter their destination. Simply join the DeltaWifi.com network on a laptop or mobile device and purchase Wi-Fi access using the new Delta Portal Platform – the front page to the onboard experience coming later this summer to Viasat-enabled aircraft.

With the Delta Portal Platform, customers will be able to connect, purchase, browse and stream from their device of choice. The Delta Portal Platform also gives customers access to free messaging available today and their favorite Delta.com services at no extra charge. And the platform is built to evolve as customer needs change, with new features planned for later this year.

As additional aircraft are outfitted with enhanced connectivity and the Delta Portal Platform, customers can expect a unified and consistent Delta-branded experience across all Viasat-enabled aircraft.

Delta’s first Viasat-enabled aircraft, a new Airbus A321ceo, will enter regular service on May 1. The company will test and closely monitor connectivity performance on this initial aircraft, with additional aircraft scheduled to enter service in June beginning with remaining new A321ceos, 737-900 and 757-200 aircraft – fleets that historically operate on routes with high customer volume. The airline plans to outfit these fleets with the new service by the end of 2021.

High-speed connectivity is just the start. Over the past few years, Delta has added seatback screens to almost all its mainline fleet* and brought even more industry-leading content onboard. The airline is continuously adding new hit movies and TV shows to Delta Studio, along with offering captivating podcasts, health and wellness content, live satellite TV access and carefully curated spotlight collections.

* Delta’s 717 fleet is not equipped with seatback in-flight entertainment.

Top Copyright Photo: Delta Air Lines Airbus A321-211 WL N333DX (msn 8026) FLL (Bruce Drum). Image: 105017.

Delta aircraft slide show (Airbus):