“Our providers say they’re meeting our contracted service level agreement (SLA), but our customers say the performance isn’t there. Something doesn’t add up.” What are inflight connectivity SLAs measuring, and can they be used to hold suppliers accountable? Or should they be dispensed with completely?
IFC
Next Gen JetWave antenna boasts boosted BizAv performance
Honeywell plans to offer a new version of its JetWave terminal solution for the business aviation market. Developed to connect on Inmarsat’s JetConneX Ka-band network, the updated terminal expects to deliver improved performance with an eye towards the next generation of satellites in orbit.
Starlink/JSX STC slips
The first plane is fitted and flying. The new SpaceX Starlink inflight connectivity system on JSX works, and the companies are excited to deploy it fleet wide. Alas, it does not appear they will meet the target timeline of having the system fully installed before the end of the year. The necessary Supplemental Type Certification (STC) remains pending with the authorities.
Gogo sees record revenue, saves on 5G lawsuit costs
Gogo’s legal victory at the end of September allows the company to continue selling its new Gogo 5G network, even as SmartSky believes it will succeed with an appeal to have the injunction reinstated. The ruling also saved the company a few million dollars.
Pairing, casting and streaming: The next generation of inflight entertainment emerges
The next generation of IFE is coming, and it will feature at-home entertainment concepts, including pairing and casting from personal devices, as well as streaming content from online providers. And, quite likely, a new generation of suppliers will also participate in the developments.
Bringing the moving map online: Panasonic’s Arc gets a data feed
Panasonic Avionics’ Arc 3D inflight moving map is getting a live data update. The company announced the release of Arc v2 at APEX EXPO in Long Beach last week, adding multiple features which deliver immediate value and also demonstrate the ability of the platform to scale and grow.
Panasonic Avionics highlights Stellar Blu antenna for OneWeb LEO service
Last week Panasonic Avionics finally confirmed low earth orbit constellations are officially part of its product road map, in partnership with OneWeb. This week at the APEX EXPO conference in Long Beach, California the company is offering up additional details on how the new capacity will fit into its offerings, and how it expects planes will be connected to the new satellites.
Air Canada boosts A220 fleet plan
Air Canada will add another 15 A220-300 aircraft to its fleet. The carrier announced it will exercise options expanding its commitment to 60 A220s, with 31 currently in service.
Virgin Australia picks 2Ku for Wi-Fi boost
With aims of profitability by mid-2023, Virgin Australia is ready to bring back inflight Wi-Fi for its fleet. The carrier announced plans to (re)activate the Intelsat 2Ku system on board.
Anuvu boosts Ka-band connectivity with dual panel antenna
Inflight internet provider Anuvu wants to boost Ka-band connectivity. The company’s Dual-Panel Ka-Band Inflight Connectivity Antenna System (DPSAA) solution launches at APEX EXPO this week, offering increased capacity to the aircraft, especially at higher latitudes, thanks to an extra aperture under the radome.