ARC NEWS
Boeing to integrate Starlink antennas on Virgin Atlantic 787s
October 17, 2025
Virgin Atlantic has agreed with Boeing to implement SpaceX's Starlink satellite connectivity on its 787-9 fleet. Boeing states that the service agreement was announced on 15 October at the MRO Europe event and will see it install a new antenna fairing to accommodate antennas that will support Starlink and "multi-orbit connectivity". "Partnering with Boeing to bring Starlink's next-generation connectivity to our 787 fleet is another important step in creating a 'home away from home' experience for every customer," says Virgin Atlantic chief customer officer Corneel Koster. "We're witnessing rapid advances in satellite and antenna technology, and we're proud to provide our OEM-backed engineering expertise and hardware that will enable Virgin Atlantic to bring faster, more reliable connectivity to their 787 Dreamliner fleet," says Boeing Global Services' vice president of cabin, modifications and maintenance Doug Backhus.


​Madagascar Airlines chief steps down amid political turmoil
October 17, 2025
Madagascar Airlines chief executive Thierry de Bailleul has informed the board chair of his decision to step back from his duties, effective immediately. The African carrier says this follows "internal communications that have created a climate of tension within the company", and that de Bailleul's decision was made "in a spirit of responsibility" to "safeguard the company's stability and ensure the continuity of the national air service amid an already challenging social and economic environment". Madagascar's military has in recent days mounted a coup in the country. The flag carrier's outgoing chief has proposed that its executive committee collectively oversee operations to maintain its flight schedules and uphold commitments to partners. In a message to employees, the airline says, de Bailleul warned that prolonged managerial instability could pose a risk to cash flow, investor confidence and long-term sustainability. Despite the upheaval, Madagascar Airlines seeks to highlight its progress over the past 18 months, noting that offered capacity has grown nearly 66%, surpassing 2019 levels, while the fleet has expanded to five operational aircraft from one at the end of 2023. Lessors' confidence has been restored, it asserts, adding that, for the first time, international lenders agreed to finance a recovery plan for the airline. It notes also that on-time performance reached 80% in 2025 and that quarterly losses have narrowed and expects a return to financial balance by year-end.


Alliance tight-lipped amid takeover talk
October 16, 2025
Alliance Airlines' parent company Alliance Aviation Services has issued a statement to the Australian Securities Exchange in response to what it terms "media speculation" that buyout firm Pacific Equity Partners is preparing a takeover bid for the carrier. In the 14 October filing, Alliance says its "policy is not to comment on media speculation", adding that It is "in compliance with its continuous disclosure obligations", without offering further detail. National newspaper The Australian on 13 October reported that Pacific Equity Partners had "carried out a comprehensive assessment on a potential bid for the business that would be purchased for its so-called 'Core Plus' fund and houses its other investments that have infrastructure-like earnings". The report also suggested that Alliance had started sounding out investment banks to conduct a strategic review. On the same day, Perennial Value Management lodged a change-of-interest notice with the Australian Securities Exchange showing that it had acquired additional shares in Alliance, lifting its stake to 6.7%. Qantas holds a 19.9% stake in Alliance but a long-running takeover bid for the wet-lease and contract charter operator was blocked in October 2023 after the Australian Competition & Consumer Commission announced that it would oppose the deal. Fleets data shows that Alliance operates 34 Embraer 190-E1s for QantasLink (including one currently in storage). It also operates 38 E190s, 20 Fokker 100s and nine Fokker 70s under its own branding, predominately using them for resource charter services. Alliance also operates an aviation services unit which trades in aircraft parts, and leases four E190s to Airnorth.


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