With its Embraer retrofit and line-fit programs well underway Intelsat is now looking at Boeing for similar efforts. With an unnamed 787 customer looking to install the Gilat Sidewinder multi-orbit ESA solution and both SkyMark and JAL planning to have the system installed on 737 MAX frames at the factory in 2026 the Boeing work faces some line-fit pressures.
Most notably, Boeing plans to deliver Service Bulletin options for the alterations. That is particularly important for the 787s, as without Boeing’s blessing modification options to the fuselage are extremely limited. At Aircraft Interiors Expo in Hamburg last week Intelsat’s Rob Baird shed some light on the progress of those programs:
The terminal is going through Boeing qualification at the moment, but the really exciting news is that they’re offering service bulletins for us for 787. Boeing is open for business. It’s a short lead time. It’s going to be installed quarter two of next year. And we’re talking to a number of customers about adding to that order and getting 787s rolling throughout the year.
There’s a little bit of a gap between –8s, –9s, and –10s, but otherwise we expect to have all three models covered by the end of 2026 with Service Bulletins flowing from Boeing Global Services.
Speaking with the team at Boeing revealed mostly the same answers, but a few distinct differences. And a program that extends beyond just the work Intelsat is pursuing.
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