Aircraft owner/operators are lining up to take advantage of the upgraded Gogo 5G network, slated to launch in 2022. Jet Edge announced this week it will upgrade 50 of its large-cabin business jets to the new platform as the launch customer for the solution. Choosing Gogo was an easy decision because of their proven track […]
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United plans five new routes, MAX service transatlantic in 2022
By the time Summer 2022 rolls around United Airlines will serve more transatlantic destinations than ever in its history. The carrier announced five new transatlantic markets this week, plus increased service to another five. The company will also finally launch seven routes waylaid by the pandemic.
Oh, and the 737 MAX will join the oceanic fun.
Jet ConneX hits 1,000 installs for Inmarsat
The battle for terrestrial high speed in-flight connectivity is heating up, but on the satellite-based front Inmarsat continues to demonstrate its power. The company announced its 1000th installation on the JetConnecX platform, backed by the GX Aviation Ka-band satellite constellation.
MEA gives live TV a try
Live television is now flying on Middle East Airlines-Air Liban (MEA) under a two month trial with Panasonic Avionics. The service launched on the carrier’s A321LR earlier this month.
SmartSky goes live!
The SmartSky air-to-ground networks is – finally – live. The company officially launched commercial operations at the NBAA conference in Las Vegas this afternoon, allowing its OEM and MRO to begin installations and complete additional STCs and Value Added Resellers to activate, connect, and serve customers.
Viasat Select goes direct for BizAv wifi
Business jet owners and operators can now purchase in-flight wifi service directly from Viasat with the launch of the company’s new Viasat Select offerings.
Does an airline owe refunds for broken in-flight wifi?
Does an airline owe passengers a refund if their in-flight wifi doesn’t deliver? Currently that answer is murky. And at least one connectivity provider objects to language used in US Department of Transportation efforts to enact some consumer protection rules around their services.
Eutelsat boosts OneWeb stake
Eutelsat invested an additional $165 million in OneWeb during the latest funding round. The move boosts its share form 17.6% to 22.9%, making it the second largest shareholder, after Bharti.
Plane Simple BizAv antenna launches from Satcom Direct, QEST
Business aviation integrator Satcom Direct completed testing of its new Plane Simple in-flight connectivity antenna solution, confirming full functionality of the kit across multiple satellites and geographies. Across three days of testing the aircraft flew for 16 hours, transitioning between three satellites on the Intelsat FlexExec network, including crossing the Atlantic Ocean.
Status Check: Faster WiFi installing faster
How to get 300ish aircraft fitted with a new in-flight connectivity system in less than a year? Delta Air Lines and Viasat still intend to hit that target by the end of 2021, thanks to an aggressive schedule and cooperation between many parties.