Passengers on Saudia’s A321neo and A321XLR fleet will find 4K screens and Bluetooth headphones integration at every seat on board. These features will be enabled by the Panasonic Avionics NEXT in-flight entertainment system.
IFEC
Saudia selects Inmarsat GX for A321neo connectivity
Saudia’s upcoming A321neo and A321XLR fleet will feature Inmarsat’s GX Aviation Ka-band in-flight connectivity solution. The deal covers 35 aircraft slated to join the fleet in the coming years, and represents a series of firsts in the industry.
Iraqi Airways chooses Panasonic Avionics for IFE/C future
Streaming, in-seat, or internet-connected? Iraqi Airways’ new in-flight entertainment and connectivity plans will include a bit of each, all powered by Panasonic Avionics. The deal, announced at the Dubai Airshow this week, covers 31 aircraft.
Rex activates WiFi on 737s
Australia’s Rex Airlines is now online in the sky. The carrier officially activated the 2Ku satellite internet offering from Intelsat on its fleet of 737-800s. And, to help acquaint passengers with the service, WiFi is free on board for the rest of November.
AERQ launches AERENA, promises airlines IFE revenue boost
Is it an in-flight entertainment system or an advertising and retail shopping platform? For the team at AERQ, the new AERENA platform very much appears to be both.
Viasat, Inmarsat to merge, creating connectivity behemoth
Consolidation finally arrived to the in-flight connectivity world, and it arrived in a massive way. Viasat agreed to buy Inmarsat in a deal valued at $7.3 billion. Subject to typical regulatory and closing conditions, the companies hope to close the transaction in the second half of 2022.
Gogo sees LEO as part of its future
Gogo reported its first quarterly profit in history on record service revenues in Q3 2021. And the company is not slowing down. Executives continue to push the potential for future growth opportunities, both terrestrial and satellite-based, while also still talking down competitive inroads.
Gogo snags 5G STC partnership for 30 aircraft types
Gogo announced plans to develop STCs for more than 30 aircraft types as part of its 5G rollout. The deal will see Duncan Aviation provide engineering and certification services for a broad range of business jets.
Aegean activates WiFi with Inmarsat’s EAN
Aegean Airlines is the next customer for Inmarsat’s European Aviation Network. The Greek airline installed the hybrid satellite/terrestrial in-flight connectivity solution on at least four aircraft so far, with one known to be active.
From Thales to Inmarsat: An IFEC Executive Shift
Philippe Carette will be the new President of Inmarsat’s Aviation operations from 22 November 2021. He joins the company after eight years at Thales, including the past three as CEO of the Thales InFlyt division.