Another long-awaited inflight connectivity upgrade appears to be underway, this time in Asia.
GX Aviation
Going offline? Viasat targeted for Chinese sanctions
Viasat is a target of Chinese sanctions, which could knock some airlines offline in and over the region.
SD’s Plane Simple Ka-band terminal passes DO-160 milestone
After more than 400 hours of flight testing the Plane Simple Ka-band terminal from Satcom Direct secured DO-160 approval, moving it closer to commercial availability of the in-flight connectivity hardware early in 2024.
Air New Zealand to trial Starlink on domestic fleet
Air New Zealand will trial SpaceX’s Starlink inflight internet service on its domestic fleet. The carrier plans to install the system on an ATR turboprop and an A320 in late 2024 as part of the program.
Airbus hits 125 aircraft commitment milestone for HBCplus Ka-band connectivity
The Airbus HBCplus inflight internet offering is accelerating, with 125 aircraft now contracted for Ka-band connectivity through the OEM-managed program. Deliveries of the fitted aircraft have already begun.
Safran snags massive contract for Emirates fleet fittings
Safran secured a (not really) billion dollar commitment from Emirates to fit the carrier’s fleet over the decade ahead.
Lufthansa joins the free inflight messaging bandwagon
Lufthansa is the latest airline to add a free inflight internet tier. And, like the others, it has tied the shift to membership in its loyalty program.
Viasat updates pricing plans in BizAv push
Viasat expects to deliver improved inflight connectivity to its business aviation customers from early 2024. This “expanded range of service options,” announced at NBAA 2023 in Las Vegas, will be available across a range of antenna terminal hardware
Qatar Airways adds Starlink option for inflight internet
Qatar Airways will add SpaceX’s Starlink inflight internet service to some of its planes. The carrier announced the deal on Friday, noting the system will be installed “onboard specific aircraft and routes.”
Wi-Fi now active on Korean’s A321neo, powered by Viasat
Korean Air activated inflight Wi-Fi on its A321neo fleet this month. The carrier selected Viasat as the provider, diversifying its supplier base.