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.
FlexExec
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.
Tariffs, 737 MAX, satellite crash hit Astronics earnings
How many different ways can one company get beat up in the inflight entertainment and connectivity market? Astronics faces headwinds in its Aerospace market on three fronts. The 737 MAX grounding has costs on both new production and retrofit efforts, while the loss of Intelsat 29E grounded a connectivity program indefinitely. Add in tariffs related to China suppliers that the company is paying and the numbers are going to be rough in that segment for the foreseeable future.