United Airlines says the rollout of its new Starlink-powered inflight internet service will happen faster than previously planned, with the first commercial flight in February 2025.
IFEC
Thales extends live TV range with 360Stream
In-flight live sports are some of the most valuable content experiences an airline can offer to passengers on the IFE platform but most do it poorly today. Thales’ new 360Stream solution aims to change that with a host of new features.
Astranis successfully launches microGEO satellites, including two for Anuvu
With the launch of two Astranis satellites Anuvu enters its microGEO era. NuView-A and NuView-B are expected to bring 50 Gbps of new capacity into Anuvu’s network and serve help shape the next generation of its inflight connectivity concepts.
Leading with LEO
Add another airline to the collection looking at LEO for an inflight connectivity upgrade.
Next-Gen MEO, LEO Coming from SES, Eutelsat with SpaceRISE Deal
A new generation of satellite connectivity is planned, with the European Union mostly footing the bill. SES, Eutelsat, and their IFC customers also stand to benefit from the program.
SmartSky Slaps Gogo with Antitrust Claims
Four months after halting operations SmartSky filed a lawsuit against Gogo claiming “systematic anti-competitive practices destroyed competition for internet connectivity in business aviation” and seeking more than $1 billion in damages.
Qatar Airways Further Accelerates Starlink Deployment
More than a quarter of Qatar Airways’ 777-300ER fleet is now flying with Starlink inflight internet on board, less than eight weeks after the first fitted plane entered service.
Under the Radome: Talking Fast & Free Wi-Fi with Air Canada’s Norman Haughton
Developing new offerings is a delicate balance of concepts and planning, pressed against the reality of passenger behavior. Air Canada took a hybrid approach to build its new IFE/C plan.
Air Canada Wi-Fi Going Fast and Free Fleet-wide (even some Q400s!)
Inflight internet service on Air Canada is getting an upgrade. The carrier will shift from free texting on its flights to fast, free, streaming-quality Wi-Fi from May 2025.
Hanwha Phasor bails on ESA market
ESA manufacturers continue their work to bring next generation antenna technology to commercial success. This week Phasor appears to have earned the lamentable honor of failing at that goal for a second time.