“Our providers say they’re meeting our contracted service level agreement (SLA), but our customers say the performance isn’t there. Something doesn’t add up.” What are inflight connectivity SLAs measuring, and can they be used to hold suppliers accountable? Or should they be dispensed with completely?
APEXEXPO
Starlink/JSX STC slips
The first plane is fitted and flying. The new SpaceX Starlink inflight connectivity system on JSX works, and the companies are excited to deploy it fleet wide. Alas, it does not appear they will meet the target timeline of having the system fully installed before the end of the year. The necessary Supplemental Type Certification (STC) remains pending with the authorities.
Pairing, casting and streaming: The next generation of inflight entertainment emerges
The next generation of IFE is coming, and it will feature at-home entertainment concepts, including pairing and casting from personal devices, as well as streaming content from online providers. And, quite likely, a new generation of suppliers will also participate in the developments.
Bringing the moving map online: Panasonic’s Arc gets a data feed
Panasonic Avionics’ Arc 3D inflight moving map is getting a live data update. The company announced the release of Arc v2 at APEX EXPO in Long Beach last week, adding multiple features which deliver immediate value and also demonstrate the ability of the platform to scale and grow.
A first look at Spirit’s new seats
Looking for a more comfortable seat on your next Spirit Airlines flight? Starting in January passengers on the carrier’s newest planes will see new seats throughout the cabin, adding width, padding and even a head rest for travelers. The seats, manufactured by HAECO, also reduce weight on board, helping the company save on fuel and emissions
Dimmable windows coming to the A350 with Starlux
When Starlux takes delivery of its first A350 this weekend it marks several milestones, including the launch of a dimmable window option for the first time with Airbus.
Panasonic Avionics highlights Stellar Blu antenna for OneWeb LEO service
Last week Panasonic Avionics finally confirmed low earth orbit constellations are officially part of its product road map, in partnership with OneWeb. This week at the APEX EXPO conference in Long Beach, California the company is offering up additional details on how the new capacity will fit into its offerings, and how it expects planes will be connected to the new satellites.
Virgin Australia picks 2Ku for Wi-Fi boost
With aims of profitability by mid-2023, Virgin Australia is ready to bring back inflight Wi-Fi for its fleet. The carrier announced plans to (re)activate the Intelsat 2Ku system on board.
Anuvu boosts Ka-band connectivity with dual panel antenna
Inflight internet provider Anuvu wants to boost Ka-band connectivity. The company’s Dual-Panel Ka-Band Inflight Connectivity Antenna System (DPSAA) solution launches at APEX EXPO this week, offering increased capacity to the aircraft, especially at higher latitudes, thanks to an extra aperture under the radome.
Panasonic Avionics, OneWeb team for inflight internet service
Panasonic Avionics (PAC) will add low earth orbit satellites to its inflight internet offerings, thanks to a partnership with OneWeb. The long-expected distribution agreement will enable PAC to market, sell, and support OneWeb’s high-speed, low-latency LEO in-flight broadband services to commercial airlines worldwide.