An on-off strike involving crew operating services on behalf of SAS in Sweden and Finland has been resolved. The services are operated for SAS by Flybe under a subcontract arrangement. Flybe reported Feb 24 that a collective labour agreement between cabin crew union Unionen “contracted and employed by GEC” - an independent company that provides pilot and cabin crew recruitment and management services to the carrier “for the white label operation it has with SAS” had been signed. However, SAS announced Feb 25 that a continuing lack of agreement between Flybe/GEC and SPF had led to extended industrial action. Following arbitration by Sweden’s govt-backed Mediation Institute, SAS announced Feb 26 that a collective agreement for pilots had been signed and that the strike would cease immediately. <br/>
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SWISS has selected Panasonic Global Communications Services to provide inflight Wi-Fi and 3G phone services on its 9 Boeing 777-300ERs, which entered intercontinental services Feb 21. SWISS has also introduced Panasonic’s eXcite2 software into its inflight entertainment systems for enhanced touchscreen performance with faster navigation and response, 3D effects and animation, as well as more dynamic graphics and richer content. The new software allows airlines to reduce the time required to redesign their user experience and makes frequent updates easier. The system also allows SWISS to easily brand its own content, which can be used to create uniformity across both in-seat monitors and synchronised passengers’ own personal devices. By August, 6 777s should be in service, with 3 more expected by 2018. <br/>