Airlines, aircraft manufacturers, and other industry suppliers have a new resource available to help guide their inflight connectivity decisions, thanks to the Seamless Air Alliance (SAA). The organization released its Antenna Buyer Handbook this week at APEX Global Expo, the first time it has shared a technical document of this depth with non-members of the organization.
For suppliers and airlines working to stay ahead of the rapid changes in satellite connectivity, the Seamless Air Alliance offers a front-row seat to the future of inflight connectivity.
– Jack Mandala, CEO of Seamless Air Alliance
The Antenna Buyer Handbook covers the range of terminal options available, categorizing the hardware into different types based on the types of satellite constellations they can support. It also addresses the challenges of antenna design, integration, and long-term performance against the rapidly evolving satellite constellation landscape. As Non-Geostationary Orbit (NGSO) networks such as LEO, MEO, and HEO systems come online airlines and other players must consider the trade-offs in available antenna capabilities versus future state costs.
“Choosing the right antenna is no longer just a hardware decision, it’s a strategic investment in the future of an airline’s connectivity capabilities,” explains Bill Milroy, Chairman and CTO of ThinKom Solutions. “This handbook offers a vendor-neutral, technology-forward perspective that helps airlines, especially those without extensive wireless R&D teams, to make smart, future-ready decisions.”
The document covers key questions airlines should ask before selecting an antenna, including future bandwidth demands for full-cabin streaming, compatibility with emerging multi-orbit networks, and ease of upgrades.
The Antenna Buyer Handbook was produced by Seamless Air Alliance’s expert working groups, comprised of specialists from across the aviation, telecom, and satellite industries.
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