Two current IFC providers are taking very different paths in the face of LEO connectivity evolving “faster and differently” than expected. Whether they arrive at the same outcome will be very interesting to see.
GEO
ViaSat-3 APAC Launches Successfully
On Thursday morning the third ViaSat-3 satellite successfully lifted off from the Kennedy Space Center on a Falcon Heavy rocket, marking a major milestone in the very important (and rather delayed) program to massively boost capacity in GEO orbit.
Hughes Snags Air India IFC Contract, Tweaks Antenna Plans
A new customer, new antenna hardware, and new progress on a slightly stalled deployment are all highlights from Hughes Networks’ IFC program in recent weeks.
Delta Picks Amazon Leo for Next-gen Inflight Internet
Delta Air Lines will activate (at least) 500 aircraft on the Amazon Leo inflight internet service from 2028. The deal will bring low-latency, high-bandwidth capacity to the fleet, boosting performance for passengers and crew alike.
Gilat Sells More Sidewinder, More Line-fit Installs
Chalk up another $39 million in Sidewinder antenna sales for Gilat to bring multi-orbit IFC to commercial aircraft. Deliveries are expected over the coming year.
Viasat Plans Expanded Multi-orbit BizAv Internet Services
Viasat will further expand its JetXP internet service for business aviation with a multi-link, multi-orbit solution in the years ahead.
Etihad Expands Viasat Inflight Internet Commitment
For the past few years Etihad has been rolling out Viasat’s inflight internet service on its new aircraft. This week the carrier confirmed it will shift its connectivity portfolio fully to Viasat’s Amara multi-orbit offering.
ViaSat-3 Americas (Take 2) launches successfully
ViaSat-3 F2 is safely on its way to geosynchronous orbit, and CEO Mark Dankberg has some thoughts about what the future of satellite communications, with his company’s constellations playing a large role.
Saudia Nears Inflight Connectivity Launch
Saudia’s latest inflight Wi-Fi service is (nearly) ready to go live, following a public test flight with airline executives earlier this week.
Royal Brunei Set to Activate Multi-Orbit IFC with SES
Royal Brunei Airlines announced its inflight internet service partnership with SES (Intelsat at the time) earlier this summer. Now the carrier has a timeline to turn the service on.