Operating a multi-supplier IFC portfolio is not unique. Still, sometimes those shifts come as a surprise. A report this week very much fits in that latter category to me.
IFEC
Embraer, Lufthansa Technik Bring Big Screen to BizAv
Embraer’s new Praetor 500E and 600E models keep innovation alive, delivering an updated suite of cabin technology, developed in cooperation with Lufthansa Technik.
Gogo Sees Upside in Imminent Galileo, 5G Activations
Top line numbers suggest Gogo held steady as it navigated the first year of its merged operations with Satcom Direct and transitions towards the Gogo 5G and Galileo platforms for business aviation connectivity.
ZIPAIR Activates First Starlink Installation
ZIPAIR’s first 787 is now fitted with Starlink inflight internet. The carrier expects all eight of its 787s to be flying with the service active in the next few months.
Laser Links to Space: Proof-of-concept Flies
Is inflight internet ready for a laser-based transformation? Not quite yet, but an optical option has passed the proof-of-concept phase.
Gilat Sells More Sidewinder, More Line-fit Installs
Chalk up another $39 million in Sidewinder antenna sales for Gilat to bring multi-orbit IFC to commercial aircraft. Deliveries are expected over the coming year.
Norwegian Passes on Starlink, Cites Strange Reasoning
Norwegian Airlines will pass on Starlink for its inflight internet, the second European U/LCC airline to dismiss the LEO satellite supplier in recent weeks.
Spirit to Sell 20 A320s, Stripping WiFi Systems
Spirit Airlines plans to sell 20 aircraft from its fleet as part of its reorganization and recapitalization effort, including removal of the Thales Inflyt on-board internet solution.
PaxEx PR: Crystal Cabin Awards 2026 Finalists Announced
The Crystal Cabin Award 2026 highlights the innovation power of the cabin industry, with 24 finalists selected across eight categories.
Viasat Sees Continued IFC Growth
Viasat reported quarterly aviation services revenue of $303.7 million in Q4 2025 (Q3 FY2026), up from $263.8mm the prior year. How long the company can maintain that pace of growth, however, remains to be seen.