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Qantas has reported a record first-half underlying profit before tax of A$921m, at the upper end of its guidance range and announced an on-market share buyback of as much as $500 to share the spoils with investors. It also announced the first in-flight Wi-Fi trials in the domestic market later this year and building a new lounge at London Heathrow to open in Q1 of 2017. Alongside its results, Qantas also said it would keep 2 of its Boeing 747-400s slated for retirement this year flying longer than expected because of strong international demand and lower fuel prices. The airline will recruit new pilots for the first time since 2009 as a result of new positions that will open up when it receives its new Boeing 787-9 aircraft from next year. The airline reported improving results in the domestic and international markets. <br/>

American Airlines has dismissed its lawsuit seeking to break a contract with Gogo over inflight Internet service. The lawsuit sought a ruling on whether American could switch inflight Wi-Fi providers for about 200 of its 737 jets. The Gogo contract was for ground-to-air technology; American wanted to switch to ViaSat, which uses newer, satellite-based technology. “If Gogo chooses to submit a proposal in response to a competitive offering, we will evaluate it,” an American spokesman said. “No decisions have been made as to the future of Wi-Fi service on the fleet covered by this contract.” Gogo dropped its demand for system performance information from American and said the airline had triggered a 45-day deadline for Gogo to submit a competitive proposal, according to a Feb 17 filing. <br/>