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.
Geosynchronous Earth Orbit
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.
SES Open Orbits brings multi-constellation, multi-orbit Ka-band connectivity together on a global scale
SES will bring together a collective of Ka-band capacity providers under its Open Orbits program, providing a new type of competition in the global inflight connectivity market.
Eclipse snags 50+ plane connectivity retrofit deal
Eclipse Global Connectivity will fit 50 aircraft with a multi-orbit inflight internet solution, with services delivered via SES’s multi-orbit satellite constellations.
Intelsat, JAL partner on LEO/GEO connectivity
Japan Airlines will continue its inflight connectivity partnership with Intelsat, adding service on its 737 MAX fleet from 2026. This deal, however, comes with a multi-orbit twist.
Increased supplier option a Plus
Should airlines be concerned that the Airbus HBCplus program limits their options for inflight connectivity? Perhaps not, as reports suggest additional supplier optionality on the horizon.