Bolting a radome atop an aircraft means more weight, more drag, more fuel burn, and higher emissions. Those are all things airlines typically try to minimize. Which makes some recent conversations about drag differences all the more interesting.
IFEC
STCs show signs of progress
When it comes to tracking connectivity installations, sometimes regulators share the most useful insights. Taking a look at which STCs have (and have not) been issued lately offers up some details on a few key programs across the industry.
Iridium de-risks LEO-based direct-to-device with Project Stardust
Iridium plans to deliver direct-to-handset communications from its global LEO constellation to cell phones around the world by 2026, choosing open standards rather than its prior proprietary approach.
Transparent TVs shine at CES, boost aero potential
Deliberate certification cycles and fickle consumer demand typically leave the aviation industry chasing after consumer technologies, trying to adapt them for inflight use. AERQ is well ahead of that curve, however, with its transparent OLED cabin monument screen.
Going offline? Viasat targeted for Chinese sanctions
Viasat is a target of Chinese sanctions, which could knock some airlines offline in and over the region.
Alaska Airlines takes first 737 MAX 8, plans further cabin retrofits
Alaska Airlines took delivery of its first 737 MAX 8 this week, adding additional range and flexibility to its fleet. In an unusual twist, the interior of the new plane is not what the carrier expects to fly longer term.
Icelandair selects Astrova for A321LR entertainment
Icelandair will install the Astrova inflight entertainment system from Panasonic Avionics (PAC) on its upcoming A321LR fleet. The kit will provide in-seat entertainment from nose-to-tail, as well as several additional services from PAC for content and advertising management.
Lufthansa Group flexes with A220, MAX orders
The Lufthansa Group plans to add the 737 MAX 8 to its fleet before the end of the decade. It will also expand its A220-300 operations and added A320neo options.
SD’s Plane Simple Ka-band terminal passes DO-160 milestone
After more than 400 hours of flight testing the Plane Simple Ka-band terminal from Satcom Direct secured DO-160 approval, moving it closer to commercial availability of the in-flight connectivity hardware early in 2024.
Air New Zealand to trial Starlink on domestic fleet
Air New Zealand will trial SpaceX’s Starlink inflight internet service on its domestic fleet. The carrier plans to install the system on an ATR turboprop and an A320 in late 2024 as part of the program.