As the next generation of in-flight connectivity technology starts to show signs of actually flying, where will the impact be felt the most?
antenna
Two more ESAs prepare for flight
More electronically steered antenna (ESAs) solutions will be flying later this year. At least two more companies are looking to launch test flights of the new technology with a focus on eventually serving commercial aircraft.
Satcom Direct connects with new Jet ConneX terminal
Satcom Direct aims to deliver a new Ka-band option to its Plane Simple in-flight connectivity platform next year. The company announced that a test version of the kit successfully communicated with an Inmarsat satellite. This brings the solution a step closer for commercial deployment.
FlexExec rebounds with new terminal from Satcom Direct
Don’t call it a comeback; FlexExec’s been here for years. Still, after laying low for a while, Intelsat and Satcom Direct are launching a new push into the business jet connectivity market, with high hopes for improved WiFi service on board.
OneWeb, GDC Technics partner on new ESA solution
OneWeb and GDC Technics signed a Joint Development Agreement to deliver a new in-flight connectivity terminal. The new terminal, based on the electronically steered antenna technology developed by Ball Aerospace, will enable airlines to connect their aircraft, passengers, and crew over OneWeb’s Low Earth Orbit (LEO) satellite communication network.
Plane Simple BizAv antenna launches from Satcom Direct, QEST
Business aviation integrator Satcom Direct completed testing of its new Plane Simple in-flight connectivity antenna solution, confirming full functionality of the kit across multiple satellites and geographies. Across three days of testing the aircraft flew for 16 hours, transitioning between three satellites on the Intelsat FlexExec network, including crossing the Atlantic Ocean.
El Al removing Viasat WiFi from 737s to avoid possible aircraft damage
El Al, Astronics, and Viasat joined the dubious group of in-flight connectivity installations causing damage to aircraft last week. As a result, hardware must be removed from the planes to avoid catastrophic failure.
OneWeb secures antenna, investment with Hanwha Systems
Each of OneWeb’s post-bankruptcy investors plays a strategic role in the company’s future. Last week’s news of a new partner keeps that streak alive, as Korea’s Hanwha Systems added $300 million to the company’s coffers.
Perhaps more importantly, however, Hanwha can provide a critical component of the company’s technical roadmap. Expect to see electronically steered antenna (ESA) solutions delivered from Hanwha to power the OneWeb customer terminals.
NXTCOMM scores ESA customer order
Upstart Electronically Steerable Antenna (ESA) supplier NXTCOMM scored a contract for its Ku-band panel solution. The company’s Defense division was selected by L3Harris Technologies to deliver hardware in support of a US Department of Defense contract.
Spirit Airlines WiFi goes live*
Spirit Airlines is now online in the sky. The first few planes fitted with the company’s in-flight wifi connectivity offering recently entered service for passenger use, though a formal launch is not expected until later this year.