Forget detailed RFP cycles or convoluted consulting agreements. When it comes to considering SpaceX’s Starlink as a potential in-flight internet service provider airBaltic CEO Martin Gauss took to Twitter.
IFEC
SmartSky completes nationwide network
The SmartSky nation-wide network is now complete. The new air-to-ground in-flight internet solution can deliver connectivity across the continental United States via hundreds of towers.
Destination Reels boost interactivity on Southwest’s moving map
Roughly a third of the time spent in the Southwest Airlines inflight connectivity portal is consumed on the moving map. And those passengers now have some additional infotainment available. The carrier is the launch customer for Destination Reels from FlightPath3D, an immersive travel guide loaded with mobile-friendly, short-form videos for all of Southwest’s destinations.
JetBlue, Spirit agree to $3.8 billion deal
Four months after starting the conversations, and just a few hours after the Frontier Airlines bid was formally rejected, Spirit Airlines and JetBlue announced a definitive agreement to merge.
Panasonic Avionics announces trio of new senior executives
Two new executives are joining the senior ranks at Panasonic Avionics, and a third is getting a nice promotion. The company announced the changes as part of its drive to capture value from the broad recovery for the airline industry and sustained increases in passenger traffic.
Eutelsat, OneWeb to merge in LEO/GEO push
The next generation of the OneWeb constellation is now funded. Eutelsat will divert its dividend payments for the next two years to help cover the cost of building and launching the expanded low earth orbit constellation as part of a merger deal between the two companies announced on Tuesday. v
Thales FlytLIVE gets boost with SES-17 activation
The official launch of the FlytLIVE in-flight WiFi service on Spirit Airlines earlier this month, after a year of trial operations irepresents a strong return to the in-flight connectivity market for Thales. But the company is not slowing down now that the gear is live; quite the opposite, in fact.
Back in Business: A transcon trip in the American Airlines A321T
Is $50/hour a fair price to pay for upgrading to a business class seat? American Airlines suggested that price to me last week, and after a long couple days of work north of Los Angeles I took the offer. With a transcon flight home ahead, I figured the extra space and comfort would be worthwhile. It was a pleasant and comfortable trip, though the A321T fleet is starting to show its age.
Gogo hits halfway on 5G deployment
Gogo hit the halfway point in its 5G network deployment. The company announced installation of the 75th upgraded tower, of the planned 150 expected at service launch planned for later this year.
Dash 8 adds IFE/C with Starlink option
In-flight WiFi connectivity is coming to the turboprop market. De Havilland Aircraft announced a series of enhancements to its Dash 8-400 offering, including integration of a Starlink in-flight internet kit on board.