Intelsat's multi-orbit satellite-based in-flight connectivity solution will be available as a line-fit option on Embraer E-Jet E2 aircraft, following a final agreement announced by the two companies during the Aircraft Interiors Expo in Hamburg. The solution uses Intelsat's geostationary (GEO) satellite network and Eutelsat OneWeb's low-Earth orbit (LEO) satellites to provide what the company says is high-speed, low-latency in-flight connectivity. It incorporates an electronically steered array (ESA) antenna, which switches between GEO and LEO satellites to provide the best coverage at any given time. The Intelsat ESA will be available as a line-fit option by the end of this year. "Passengers on Embraer E2 aircraft will soon enjoy the same high-speed internet access from the clouds that they enjoy at home, thanks to our wide coverage and low latency," states Intelsat director of OEM programmes Rob Baird. Martyn Holmes, chief commercial officer at Embraer Commercial Aviation, adds: "Factory-installation of the Intelsat ESA is a good example of how we're making it easier for our customers to offer an improved passenger experience as soon as the aircraft is delivered. "Reliable, high-speed connectivity is a key opportunity to significantly improve passengers' onboard experience – helping to keep airlines competitive and their passengers productive and entertained in flight."

Tim Arel, chief operating officer of the US Federal Aviation Administration’s (FAA) air traffic organisation, is retiring from his role earlier than planned and a new management team has been brought in at Ronald Reagan Washington National airport. A spokesperson for the FAA confirms that Arel “is choosing to retire” as part of the US Department of Transportation’s voluntary deferred resignation programme. Arel had been planning to retire at the end of 2025 after 40 years of federal service. The FAA spokesperson says he will stay on “for the next few months to ensure a smooth transition”. The FAA has also confirmed that a new management team has been installed at Washington National (DCA) airport, “to ensure strong support for the workforce”. Their priorities, says the agency, will include “reviewing safety data trends while preventing/correcting drift, performance management, and ensuring facility training is robust and consistently meets national standards”. The changes come as the US National Transportation Safety Board (NTSB) continues its investigation into the 29 January mid-air collision near DCA of an MHIRJ CRJ700 being operated for American Airlines by PSA Airlines and a US Army Sikorsky H-60 Black Hawk helicopter. There were no survivors among the 64 people on the regional jet or the three on the helicopter. Last month, the FAA said it was permanently restricting non-essential helicopter operations around Washington National and eliminating mixed fixed-wing and helicopter traffic. The move came after the NTSB asked the agency to prohibit helicopter operations near the airport when runways 15 and 33 are in use, and to designate an alternative helicopter route.

Airlines have been forced to enact widespread cancellations to Greece because of industrial action by air traffic controllers. Athens International airport, the busiest facility in Greece, says it has shut down all operations scheduled for 9 April because of the 24-hour long strike, which is part of a wider general industrial action by civil servants concerned about wages, employment conditions and rising prices. Normal services will resume at the start of 10 April, Athens airport says, although there could be knock-on disruption as the backlog of disrupted passengers is cleared. Other airports in the country are facing similar disruption, with Thessaloniki, the second largest airport in the country, showing no operating arrivals or departures. National carrier Aegean says it has had to shut down its services, with customers entitled to full refunds. Data shows there were around 1,200 flights scheduled to and from the country for 9 April, including domestic services, with around 180,000 seats.