With the deal closing just a couple weeks ago Intelsat is still very much in the nascent stages of digesting its acquisition of Gogo’s Commercial Aviation business. PaxEx.Aero secured exclusive access to CEO Steven Spengler and Aviation President John Wade to discuss how things are going so far and what the future looks like for the organization.
IFEC
Air-to-ground networking coming in New Zealand
New Zealand could be the next country to bring a dedicated air-to-ground (ATG) in-flight connectivity network online. Engineering work is almost complete to develop a trial site for the SkyFive ATG platform in the country.
Air Canada adds WiFi payment via Aeroplan points
Air Canada passengers have a new option to buy in-flight WiFi service. The carrier now offers the ability to pay with Aeroplan points on board.
GX5 is alive: Inmarsat activates newest satellite in the Global Xpress constellation
The Inmarsat Global Xpress (GX) satellite network just tripled its capacity. The newest satellite, GX5, is now active, delivering a massive boost to the Ka-band satellite network.
Vistara extends in-flight WiFi service in India
Domestic flights in India can now operate with the inflight internet service active. Vistara is first to market, with its A321neo fleet activating.
NXTCOMM boosts antenna development, certification leadership
How important is hardware certification for an in-flight connectivity antenna manufacturer? At ESA upstart NXTCOMM the newly hired VP of Aero Structures and Certification will report directly to the CEO to help ensure that the program faces as few internal challenges as possible.
Airbus launches line-fit Wireless IFE
Streaming IFE systems are now available directly from the factory. Airbus delivered its first new aircraft with the infrastructure on board. But the airframer is not getting into the content business, at least not yet. It is providing a platform that multiple content suppliers can integrate with, easing implementation challenges.
SmartSky adds SmoothSky turbulence avoidance to software platform
No network? No problem!
SmartSky’s next-gen ATG network remains delayed, but the company continues to work on the software offerings that will run on the new communications backbone once it goes live. SmoothSky turbulence avoidance is the latest such offering.
Gogo Vision 360 BizAv IFE unveiled, adds FlightPath3D maps
Gogo’s AVANCE business aviation platform received an entertainment boost this week with the launch of the Gogo Vision 360 platform.
Intelsat closes on Gogo Commercial Aviation buyout
Gogo is officially out of the commercial aviation in-flight connectivity business. The company closed its $400 million cash transaction with Intelsat early Tuesday morning, making good on a promise from two weeks ago to complete the deal in early December.