The Dubai Air Show provided plenty of positive news in the in-flight entertainment and connectivity world this week, but also some bad news. A second player is now out of the commercial aviation connectivity business.
Dubai Air Show
Airbus scores a LiFi win for a trio of corporate jets
A trio of Saudi-based corporate jets will soon carry LiFi-connected screens on board. Alpha Star Aviation signed a letter of agreement at the Dubai Air Show this week to add the equipment to three Airbus Corporate Jets it manages.
Panasonic Avionics picked for Saudia IFE play
Passengers on Saudia’s A321neo and A321XLR fleet will find 4K screens and Bluetooth headphones integration at every seat on board. These features will be enabled by the Panasonic Avionics NEXT in-flight entertainment system.
Airbus snags another massive A321neo/A321XLR deal from Indigo Partners
When Indigo Partners decides to buy planes the company does not mess around. Previously responsible for the one of the largest orders of single-aisle planes in the world, the company continues its growth plans with a firm order for 255 additional A321neo aircraft, announced at this year’s Dubai Air Show. As with the prior deal, these planes will be distributed among the four low cost carriers owned by Indigo Partners around the world.
Saudia selects Inmarsat GX for A321neo connectivity
Saudia’s upcoming A321neo and A321XLR fleet will feature Inmarsat’s GX Aviation Ka-band in-flight connectivity solution. The deal covers 35 aircraft slated to join the fleet in the coming years, and represents a series of firsts in the industry.
Iraqi Airways chooses Panasonic Avionics for IFE/C future
Streaming, in-seat, or internet-connected? Iraqi Airways’ new in-flight entertainment and connectivity plans will include a bit of each, all powered by Panasonic Avionics. The deal, announced at the Dubai Airshow this week, covers 31 aircraft.
Video: The killer app in Emirates’ new 777 First Class Suite
The luxury in Emirates’ new 777 first class suites isn’t about the seat or the food. Video steals the show on board, with hints of what the industry will (eventually) be like for everyone.