SmartSky announced a new timeline for network deployment, plus some additional cash to help it get there.
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Intelsat plans bankruptcy exit, notes liquidation risks
Intelsat has a plan to emerge from its Chapter 11 bankruptcy protection. It involves slashing debt owed by more than half, from $15 billion to $7 billion. But the debtors must agree to those losses. If not, the company faces a more dire outcome, including the likely liquidation of its recently acquired Gogo Commercial Aviation business.
Viasat teams with Gazprom, TMC for access to Russia
Access to Russia is critical when it comes to delivering satellite connectivity on a global basis. Viasat took a large step forward on that front this week, announcing a MOU with Gazprom for satellite capacity and TMC for the necessary local license to access the market.
Another fleet comes online
Airlines are still navigating the timing challenges of how and when to return their aircraft to service. But as they do in-flight connectivity remains an important amenity to offer. And if you listen to the suppliers it is even more important now. PaxEx.Aero can now confirm that another airline fleet has wifi installed on board.
Panasonic Avionics extends, expands Sport 24 deal with IMG Media
Millions more passengers could soon see expanded access to live sporting events on their in-flight entertainment screens. Under a renewed and expanded deal announced earlier this month Panasonic Avionics Corporation (PAC) will increase its distribution of IMG’s Sport 24 network to include aircraft outside of its direct service portfolio.
Digging deep: Talking in-flight live television with Panasonic Avionics
On the heels of a significant announcement extending and expanding its Sport 24 live television marketing deal with IMG Media, Panasonic Avionics is spectacularly optimistic about the future of live television as part of the in-flight entertainment content portfolio. Moreover, it expects to change the way that content is packaged and delivered to passengers.
Panasonic Avionics bucks consolidation trend, dumps ITC Global
What’s NEXT for Panasonic Avionics? The company sold off its ITC Global maritime connectivity group this week, redoubling its focus on in-flight connectivity. That approach is counter to what many of its competitors are pursuing, however, raising a number of questions.
Counterclaims and Arbitration: WSS and SmartSky continue legal wrangling
The legal battle between SmartSky and supplier WSS continues unabated. And some of the assertions in the counterclaim are spectacularly juicy.
Keeping it mechanical: QEST announces new Ka-band antenna
QEST expects mechanical antennae to remain key to the in-flight connectivity market for many years to come. The company’s latest offering demonstrates its commitment to that segment, even as it continues to work on ESAs for the longer-term future.
Tata’s aviation web grows as AirAsia’s shrinks
Shifting alliances and ownership in India could dramatically change the aviation landscape, including IFE/C offerings and suppliers. Or it could be years of talk and nothing really changing.