Some of the smaller hints dropped in various conversations appear to be more significant than they seemed at first blush.
Gilat
CesiumAstro Sees Potential in Commercial Aviation Market
CesiumAstro is talking big about making the leap from government contracts to the commercial aviation business.
Intelsat next-gen connectivity goes live
Several months after the first installations completed, the first aircraft with Intelsat’s new inflight connectivity solution is finally serving passengers.
Gogo closes on Satcom Direct acquisition
The Gogo acquisition of Satcom Direct closed, bringing consolidation to the business aviation connectivity market.
Taking Intelsat’s next generation LEO inflight connectivity for a ride
Switching over from the GEO satellites Intelsat has been using to deliver inflight internet to the Eutelsat OneWeb LEO constellation, the backbone of the company’s next-generation inflight internet service, was eye-opening.
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.
Gogo snags Satcom Direct in BizAv connectivity consolidation play
Gogo will acquire Satcom Direct, bringing significant consolidation to the business aviation inflight connectivity market.
American’s first satellite Wi-Fi CR7 is back in service
The first plane plane purposefully fitted for multi-orbit inflight internet service is back in service. The CRJ-700, operated by SkyWest for American Eagle, has completed its installation program and is carrying passengers once again.
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.
Multi-orbit connectivity now flying on regional jets
The first commercial aircraft to be fitted with the Intelsat multi-orbit solution, featuring the Gilat/Stellar Blu Sidewinder terminal has left the installation facility and appears to be headed towards entry into passenger service.