Private jets are, for many, an office in the sky. So perhaps it is no surprise that the business aviation world’s innovation focuses today more than ever on the most critical business need: internet connectivity.
antenna
Starlink set to fly on FlexJet fleet
FlexJet selected SpaceX’s Starlink service for inflight internet across its fleet, with the G650 first type to be certified and installed.
Hanwha Phasor, OneWeb formalize ESA terminal development efforts
Another antenna option will soon join the fold for OneWeb’s aero customers. Hanwha Phasor announced it has signed a User Terminal Development Agreement, enabling the two companies to collaborate on an in-flight connectivity solution. A certified solution is anticipated in 2025.
Testing the next step for LEO-based IFC
On Monday afternoon a CRJ700 landed at Rocky Mountain Metro Airport near Broomfield, Colorado after more than four hours en route from Portland, Maine. Fortunately, no passengers found themselves enduring the “comfort” of that long ride in a little jet. But, thanks to the work happening on board, millions of travelers annually will soon have access to a better inflight Wi-Fi experience.
ThinKom Plus launches, with hybrid LEO/GEO offering
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.
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.
ThinKom, Kontron partner for multi-constellation, multi-orbit, multi-modem IFC terminal
ThinKom and Kontron have partnered to develop a multi-modem terminal capable of supporting multiple constellations across multiple orbital planes.
Inmarsat boosts speeds with updated Jet ConneX plans
Inmarsat’s new data plans, part of the Jet ConneX Evolution program announced last year, are now live, promising up to 100 Mbps speeds to business jets.
Hanwha sets stage for aero ESA trials later this year
Stop me if you’ve heard this one before: Phasor’s ESA technology will enter ground testing later this year, with hopes of getting airborne by Q1 2024. This time, however, it will be under the Hanwha brand name, as the company pushes forward with its commercial aero goals.
CesiumAstro brings Ka-band ESA to life; Airbus trials planned
CesiumAstro has a lot of experience delivering phased array antenna solutions in space. Now it wants to bring that hardware a bit closer to earth. The company announced a new Ka-band electronically steered antenna (ESA) platform at Satellite 2023, including plans for the commercial aviation sector.