Virgin Atlantic reiterated its expectation that in-flight WiFi connectivity will eventually be free to passengers. But don’t expect that in the immediate future. The company is much more focused today on improving the paid take rates than transitioning to a free model.
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Alaska Airlines’ 737 MAX takes flight, without WiFi
Alaska Airlines is the latest member of the 737MAX family, operating its first commercial flights with they type today. But passengers on board faced a bit of a surprise: No WiFi active on the newest plane in the fleet.
SmartSky secures additional funding, sets Summer launch plans
SmartSky announced a new timeline for network deployment, plus some additional cash to help it get there.
Intelsat plans bankruptcy exit, notes liquidation risks
Intelsat has a plan to emerge from its Chapter 11 bankruptcy protection. It involves slashing debt owed by more than half, from $15 billion to $7 billion. But the debtors must agree to those losses. If not, the company faces a more dire outcome, including the likely liquidation of its recently acquired Gogo Commercial Aviation business.
Gogo caught up in the GameStop Short Squeeze
A spike in Gogo’s trading volume and price suggests the in-flight connectivity company is caught up in the Reddit-powered push to squeeze out short positions.
Panasonic Avionics bucks consolidation trend, dumps ITC Global
What’s NEXT for Panasonic Avionics? The company sold off its ITC Global maritime connectivity group this week, redoubling its focus on in-flight connectivity. That approach is counter to what many of its competitors are pursuing, however, raising a number of questions.
Counterclaims and Arbitration: WSS and SmartSky continue legal wrangling
The legal battle between SmartSky and supplier WSS continues unabated. And some of the assertions in the counterclaim are spectacularly juicy.
Delta picks Viasat for single-aisle connectivity refresh
Delta Air Lines is officially leaving Gogo/Intelsat behind on part of its fleet, switching to Viasat’s Ka-band in-flight connectivity offering on more than 300 single-aisle aircraft. The deal, announced on Tuesday, will see the Viasat kit installed on new delivery and retrofit A321ceo, 737-900ER and select 757-200 aircraft starting this summer.
Executive shuffle atop Gogo
Gogo President and CEO Oakleigh Thorne will fill another leadership role at the company starting Friday. He takes over as Chairman of the Board of Directors as Ronald LeMay retires at the end of the year.
Viasat acquires RigNet, expands satellite service range
Viasat’s global satellite mobility services offering now includes a major off-shore component. The company agreed to acquire RigNet, a provider of networking services to the oil and gas industry, in an all-stock deal that should have some trickle-down impact to the IFEC segment.