Airlines

Airlines could soon allow 5G phone calls during flights

Soon, airlines may permit 5G phone calls while in flight.

Airlines will be able to provide the latest 5G technology on their planes alongside previous mobile technology generations as the Commission modified the implementing decision on spectrum for mobile communications on-board aircrafts, allocating particular frequencies for in-flight 5G technology.

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Enabling the provision of data, voice, and message services by airlines to travellers flying within the EU. The widespread deployment of 5G services has been made possible by this update to the Commission’s implementing decision on mobile communications on board aircraft..

The service is offered inside the cabin of a prepared aircraft using specialised network hardware, the so-called “pico-cell,” to link the users and route calls, texts, and data, often via a satellite network, between the aircraft and the ground-based mobile network.

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The modifying decision establishes the groundwork for advancements in the automobile sector along with potential Metaverse applications. The Member States shall make the 5GHz frequency bands available for use aboard road vehicles as as soon as possible and at the latest by June 30, 2023, in accordance with the amendment to the implementing decision.

With the goal of accelerating research and innovation in 5G technology, the European Commission recognised the opportunity presented by 5G early on and established a public-private partnership on the subject (5G-PPP) in 2013. More than €700 million in public funding has been provided by the European Commission to support this work through the Horizon 2020 Program.

Airlines

Federal Court Imposes $100M Fine on Qantas for “Ghost Flights” Scandal

In a major ruling, the Federal Court has confirmed a hefty A$100 million penalty against Qantas for its involvement in the “ghost flights” scandal. As reported by FlightGlobal.

The court found that Qantas misled consumers by offering and selling tickets for flights that the airline had already decided to cancel. Adding to the controversy, Qantas failed to promptly notify ticket holders about these cancellations.

The penalty follows Qantas’ admission of violating the Australian Consumer Law (ACL). The airline agreed with the Australian Competition and Consumer Commission (ACCC) on the penalty amount, aiming to deter Qantas and other businesses from similar breaches in the future.

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The ACCC emphasized that this substantial fine sends a clear message: misleading customers will lead to serious consequences, regardless of a company’s size. In addition to the penalty, Qantas has committed to paying approximately A$20 million to affected passengers who unknowingly purchased tickets for canceled flights.

This compensation comes on top of any refunds or alternative flight arrangements already provided. ACCC Chair Gina Cass-Gottlieb praised the penalty, underscoring the importance of robust compliance programs red energy qantas in large corporations like Qantas.

She pointed out that Qantas has since made changes to its operating and scheduling procedures to prevent similar issues in the future.