We finally have an answer for the first Polaris 787.
The one that kept acting up. The one that was sent back to Boeing like a bad car purchase. The mystery? Antennas. Specifically the ones for the TCAS —that’s traffic alert and collision avoidance.
They swapped the antennas. Handed the jet back to United. And then… silence. The plane is apparently grounded again. Great.
Signals
Amazon Leo is hitting Salem, Oregon hard. 94% coverage. Nearly perfect. Delta and JetBlue are already waiting in line for their own slice of sky.
It’s only a matter of time before everyone expects Wi-Fi like it’s air.
All the while oneworld keeps promising upgrades. “This year” they say. It rings like a bell. But let’s be real. Even when they land, will it mean much? Look at the American-Qantas deal. Barely noticeable. Low value. High disappointment.
A pilot who actually cares
Check out this photo.
An American Airlines pilot wrote notes for his passengers. On his own. For fun? No, because he thinks connection matters. Scott Kirby—the United CEO—tells his pilots to step out from behind the curtain and talk to people. This guy didn’t have to be told.
Does it cost the airline more? No. Should the pilot get a raise? Absolutely. But he’s doing it anyway. And honestly, that’s rare enough to write about.
Gary Leff has been chasing miles since 2002 he’s seen it all. From insideflyer to the Freddie Awards. He knows the game.
So we’re back to square one with that 787. Broken. Rebuilt. Broken.
Maybe the antennas weren’t the only thing wrong.
Who knows. The plane is grounded either way. ✈️
