The next generation of IFE is coming, and it will feature at-home entertainment concepts, including pairing and casting from personal devices, as well as streaming content from online providers. And, quite likely, a new generation of suppliers will also participate in the developments.
IFEC
Bringing the moving map online: Panasonic’s Arc gets a data feed
Panasonic Avionics’ Arc 3D inflight moving map is getting a live data update. The company announced the release of Arc v2 at APEX EXPO in Long Beach last week, adding multiple features which deliver immediate value and also demonstrate the ability of the platform to scale and grow.
Panasonic Avionics highlights Stellar Blu antenna for OneWeb LEO service
Last week Panasonic Avionics finally confirmed low earth orbit constellations are officially part of its product road map, in partnership with OneWeb. This week at the APEX EXPO conference in Long Beach, California the company is offering up additional details on how the new capacity will fit into its offerings, and how it expects planes will be connected to the new satellites.
Air Canada boosts A220 fleet plan
Air Canada will add another 15 A220-300 aircraft to its fleet. The carrier announced it will exercise options expanding its commitment to 60 A220s, with 31 currently in service.
Alaska Airlines MAXes out with updated order book
Alaska Airlines will add 52 more 737 MAX to its fleet over the next five years, the largest single aircraft commitment in its history. The carrier exercised all of the options it held from its landmark December 2020 Boeing order, with deliveries due through 2027.
Virgin Australia picks 2Ku for Wi-Fi boost
With aims of profitability by mid-2023, Virgin Australia is ready to bring back inflight Wi-Fi for its fleet. The carrier announced plans to (re)activate the Intelsat 2Ku system on board.
Anuvu boosts Ka-band connectivity with dual panel antenna
Inflight internet provider Anuvu wants to boost Ka-band connectivity. The company’s Dual-Panel Ka-Band Inflight Connectivity Antenna System (DPSAA) solution launches at APEX EXPO this week, offering increased capacity to the aircraft, especially at higher latitudes, thanks to an extra aperture under the radome.
OneWeb successfully orbits 36 more satellites
OneWeb added 36 more satellites to its constellation over the weekend, bringing the total to 462 Gen 1 satellites in orbit.
AirFi LEO aims to alter the inflight retail landscape
It won’t support HD video streaming on board, but the AirFi LEO solution offers an expanded on-board shopping experience, real-time credit card payment authorizations, updated weather reports for pilots, and maybe even basic connectivity for travelers.
Panasonic Avionics, OneWeb team for inflight internet service
Panasonic Avionics (PAC) will add low earth orbit satellites to its inflight internet offerings, thanks to a partnership with OneWeb. The long-expected distribution agreement will enable PAC to market, sell, and support OneWeb’s high-speed, low-latency LEO in-flight broadband services to commercial airlines worldwide.