The Crystal Cabin Award 2026 highlights the innovation power of the cabin industry, with 24 finalists selected across eight categories.
IFC
Viasat Sees Continued IFC Growth
Viasat reported quarterly aviation services revenue of $303.7 million in Q4 2025 (Q3 FY2026), up from $263.8mm the prior year. How long the company can maintain that pace of growth, however, remains to be seen.
Southwest Swaps to Starlink
Southwest Airlines will swap a sizable portion of its fleet to the Starlink inflight internet solution, and quickly. More than 300 planes are expected to fly the new system by the end of 2026.
Viasat, Telekom Add Serbia Towers for EAN Service Boost
Viasat’s European Aviation Network (EAN) now offers better service over Serbia, thanks to some new cell tower activations.
Panasonic Avionics Adds Spacesail Option for Inflight Internet
Airlines will soon have a LEO option for internet service in China, thanks to a deal between Panasonic Avionics and Spacesail.
Considering Connectivity In, Over, Around, and Beyond China
Airbus announced plans to add the Chinese Spacesail (Qianfan) LEO constellation to its HPCplus portfolio, opening the door to conversations about how else it might end up in service for airlines.
Riyadh Air Taps NSG for A321neo Inflight Internet
Riyadh Air’s A321neo fleet will fly with Neo Space Group’s inflight internet service when they are delivered later this year.
Ryanair Ready for Wi-Fi, Refuses to Pay For It
As Elon Musk and Michael O’Leary trade barbs online over potential inflight internet offerings the Ryanair boss is clear: He wants internet on the planes, so long as he doesn’t have to pay for it.
KLM Flips Some Wi-Fi to Free
KLM passengers will have free inflight Wi-Fi across a large swath of the carrier’s network starting this week.
Edelweiss Spiffs Up Cabins in A350 Refresh
Swiss leisure carrier Edelweiss will update its A350 interiors, bringing a host of passenger-focused upgrades to the fleet. Among the new-to-Edelweiss options are a premium economy cabin and free inflight wi-fi for all travelers.