The BlackRock group of funds will grow its financial stake in SmartSky, and also increase its control of the company.
IFEC
AirFi snags trio of customers, including new LEO install
Inflight entertainment is coming to three more airlines, powered by AirFi’s streaming IFE solution.
Inmarsat suffers L-band outage over Asia-Pacific region
Thousands of miles from shore the most reliable communications link typically comes over satellite. That came to an abrupt end over the Pacific this week as one of Inmarsat’s satellites went offline.
Hanwha sets stage for aero ESA trials later this year
Stop me if you’ve heard this one before: Phasor’s ESA technology will enter ground testing later this year, with hopes of getting airborne by Q1 2024. This time, however, it will be under the Hanwha brand name, as the company pushes forward with its commercial aero goals.
Delta retires streaming entertainment option
For years Delta Air Lines highlighted its on-board content library as a valuable part of the inflight entertainment offering. Turns out scant few passengers streamed anything on shorter flights, however, and now the carrier is shedding that cost.
CesiumAstro brings Ka-band ESA to life; Airbus trials planned
CesiumAstro has a lot of experience delivering phased array antenna solutions in space. Now it wants to bring that hardware a bit closer to earth. The company announced a new Ka-band electronically steered antenna (ESA) platform at Satellite 2023, including plans for the commercial aviation sector.
AirFi goes live on Bhutan Airlines
The best entertainment on a flight in or out of Paro, Bhutan arguably comes from the majestic Himalayan mountains just outside. But travelers looking for a bit more on board now have another option, as Bhutan Airlines launches its new streaming entertainment platform, in partnership with AirFi.
Orbit makes antenna play for the regional jet IFC market
As multiple vendors vie for a slice of the regional jet connectivity refresh in the North America Orbit Communication Systems is taking an arguably more well-rounded approach. The company is now pitching its AirTRx family of parabolic antennae as “the ultimate solution for regional jets, where space is limited.”
ThinKom sees ESA integration as a Plus for connectivity hardware
Looking to combine the best-in-class antenna performance with an electronically steered solution for multi-constellation support? ThinKom may soon have a new “Plus” option available.
Astronics plans Ka-band antenna program for 777s
Astronics plans to certify a Ka-band inflight internet terminal for the 777.