Starlux will shift its inflight internet offering to Viasat’s Ka-band satellite offering. The companies announced a full fleet program, addressing both new installations and retrofit of existing aircraft.
Geosynchronous Earth Orbit
Delta confirms multi-link IFC plans with Hughes
Delta Air Lines confirms it is “exploring” the option to enable multi-link network connectivity in a first for the commercial aviation world. Developed in partnership with Hughes Networks, the carrier expects to see the service flying in late 2025.
Astranis successfully launches microGEO satellites, including two for Anuvu
With the launch of two Astranis satellites Anuvu enters its microGEO era. NuView-A and NuView-B are expected to bring 50 Gbps of new capacity into Anuvu’s network and serve help shape the next generation of its inflight connectivity concepts.
ThinAir Plus partner picked
In an industry full of poorly kept secrets, confirmation of one has finally emerged. Since teasing the ThinAir Plus antenna concept at Satellite 2023 and confirming it at AIX 2023 ThinKom has been loathe to confirm an ESA antenna partner. Until now.
NSG signs Thai Airways, Turkish Airways for inflight internet
IFC upstart NEO Space Group now has two named customers, Airbus has its first SES-aligned customers for HBCplus, and passengers should soon have better internet on board.
NEO Space Group ready to make its mark in IFC
It is, most likely, the largest inflight connectivity company you’ve never heard of. But Saudi Arabia’s Neo Space Group (NSG) expects to quickly raise its profile over the year ahead.
Panasonic Avionics launches multi-orbit test flight program
Panasonic Avionics’ newest test aircraft broke cover late last week, carrying the Sidewinder 9×9 ESA from Gilat (formerly Stellar Blu) and a paint job highlighting the OneWeb LEO connectivity kit on board.
SES, ThinKom expand testing for multi-orbit inflight connectivity
SES and ThinKom received approval this week from the FCC to conduct terrestrial testing of the Ka2517 terminal against the O3b constellation, joining a similar approval issued for testing against SES-17 in July. And there’s more to follow.
Embraer plans satellite connectivity for E175s
As demand for inflight internet service continues to expand, Embraer is taking steps to ensure its aircraft are not left behind. During FIA2024 the manufacturer announced plans to facilitate satellite connectivity on the E175s by 2026.
Shifting install sequencing
Will airlines hit their 2025 target to replace the inflight internet services on smaller planes in North America? Probably. But the sequence and timing on those appears to be shifting a bit.