The top-line numbers are impressive: 150 A220s to be delivered to AirAsia in the years ahead. Behind the headlines, however, are a few very interesting stories, as is often the case when Tony Fernandes is involved.
Airbus
Hughes Snags Air India IFC Contract, Tweaks Antenna Plans
A new customer, new antenna hardware, and new progress on a slightly stalled deployment are all highlights from Hughes Networks’ IFC program in recent weeks.
SES, JAL Team for Expanded Multi-Orbit IFC Deployment
Japan Airlines will deploy the SES multi-orbit inflight internet solution on more than 40 widebody aircraft covering both Airbus and Boeing, line-fit and retrofit.
ThinKom’s Nexus Delivers High Performance in a Compact Package
The next big thing from ThinKom is impressively small. The ThinAir Nexus antenna brings ThinKom’s proven multi-orbit performance to market in a footprint matching LEO-only ESAs.
PaxEx PR: Crystal Cabin Awards 2026 Finalists Announced
The Crystal Cabin Award 2026 highlights the innovation power of the cabin industry, with 24 finalists selected across eight categories.
Panasonic Avionics Adds Spacesail Option for Inflight Internet
Airlines will soon have a LEO option for internet service in China, thanks to a deal between Panasonic Avionics and Spacesail.
Considering Connectivity In, Over, Around, and Beyond China
Airbus announced plans to add the Chinese Spacesail (Qianfan) LEO constellation to its HPCplus portfolio, opening the door to conversations about how else it might end up in service for airlines.
Riyadh Air Taps NSG for A321neo Inflight Internet
Riyadh Air’s A321neo fleet will fly with Neo Space Group’s inflight internet service when they are delivered later this year.
Eutelsat Adds 340 Satellites to OneWeb Refresh Backlog
Eutelsat will replace another 340 of its OneWeb satellites in the years ahead, with a couple shifts from the original constellation build.
Emirates Confirms Starlink Inflight Internet Upgrade
Emirates is the latest major airline to commit to a fleet-wide deployment of the Starlink inflight internet solution. The first aircraft is already installed.