After teasing the details a bit in March, ThinKom formally launched its ThinAir Plus product line at Aircraft Interiors Expo 2023, integrating an ESA into the footprint of its Ka2517 solution. The system touts multi-constellation, multi-orbit, multi-beam connectivity support. The ThinAir Plus terminal is also the first to offer concurrent, multi-band connectivity in a single package.
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Airbus HBCplus Ku-band providers selected
Following the selection of the Safran/ThinKom solution by Airbus for its Ka-band HBCplus inflight connectivity offering in June 2022 the industry has been waiting with baited breath to learn which partners would be selected for the Ku-band offering. This week at Aircraft Interiors Expo 2023 there appears to be an answer.
Another regional connectivity deal is done
No one is willing to spill the beans completely, but it appears ThinKom has secured an airline launch customer for its Ka1717 regional jet inflight internet solution.
Air Canada plans more free Wi-Fi with regional jet upgrades
Free Wi-Fi is coming to Air Canada’s region jet fleet. And, unlike the messaging solution recently announced for the mainline flight, this service will be open for browsing, streaming, and more.
Stellar Blu secures Boeing line-fit agreement
Stellar Blu just secured a significant boost for its Sidewinder electronically steered antenna (ESA) platform. The company executed an Technical Services Agreement with Boeing that will see the terminal kit as an option for line-fit on the 737 MAX, 787, and 777X types, likely before the end of 2024.
ESpace snags $10 million, two new directors to boost inflight Wi-Fi QoE
In-flight connectivity providers talk a lot about quality of service guarantees. For passengers, the quality of experience (QoE) is arguably more significant. And now an upstart in that segment, ESpace Networks, has $10 million more to expand its technology platform, as the company announced its Series A funding round, led by Columbia Capital.
easyJet talks up AirFi deployment success, future program plans
EasyJet has not been shy about the success of its adoption of AirFi’s on-board shopping and entertainment platform in recent months. And the carrier is just getting started with the system. Simon Cox, the carrier’s Director for InFlight Retail, recently shared some insights with PaxEx.Aero on what’s next as the program matures.
Air Canada brings free messaging online, expands live TV coverage
Air Canada plans a big boost to its WiFi offerings on board, including a free messaging for travelers. Live television access on board is also expanding.
Gogo pays down debt, reports record quarterly service revenue
Gogo notified debtors of its intention to pay off $100 million of outstanding debt, a move that will help the company reduce its long-term interest expenses.
ViaSat-3 Americas launches successfully
The first ViaSat-3 satellite successfully launched from Cape Canaveral on Sunday night, beginning its short ride to geostationary orbit where it will open the next generation of satellite communications, including the inflight market.