Gogo is getting back into the satellite connectivity business in a big way. The company announced a deal to integrate the OneWeb low earth orbit (LEO) constellation into its business aviation connectivity network, providing global coverage for its customers.
IFC
Lufthansa plans entertainment upgrade for 747-8i fleet
In a sign that the aircraft will keep flying for some years to come, Lufthansa will retrofit the in-flight entertainment hardware on its 747-8i fleet with the Panasonic Avionics NEXT platform.
Turkish launches new WiFi on 737s, A321s
With more than a dozen aircraft fitted, Turkish Airlines is finally ready to officially launch its newest in-flight connectivity platform. The service, powered by Anuvu and in-country partner Profen, can be accessed on 13 of the company’s Airbus A321 and Boeing 737NG planes.
Spirit Airlines completes A320 WiFi installs
The Spirit Airlines A320 fleet is now fully fitted with in-flight WiFi. With both the A321 and now the A320 fleets completed, Spirit’s fleet can deliver in-flight internet service on more than 82% of its departures and 87% of its available seat miles.
Southwest selects Viasat for future WiFi installs, adds power, too
Southwest Airlines selected Viasat’s next generation, Ka-band satellite in-flight connectivity (IFC) system on aircraft deliveries, starting this fall. New 737 MAX aircraft will see the Viasat kit installed by Boeing on the factory line, arriving at Southwest with the WiFi service ready to fly.
EL AL plans Bluebox WOW deployment for 737 streaming entertainment stopgap
EL AL plans a shift in its in-flight entertainment strategy, at least in the short term. The carrier signed an agreement to deploy the Bluebox WOW streaming IFE platform across its fleet of 26 737s the company ramps up its recovery.
Hawaiian Airlines gets online with Starlink
Hawaiian Airlines will offer fast, free in-flight WiFi on its long-haul flights from 2023. The carrier announced a deal with Starlink to deliver the internet connectivity service on its A330, A321neo, and 787 aircraft.
JSX selects Starlink for in-flight WiFi
SpaceX signed the first airline customer for its Starlink satellite service. JSX will offer in-flight WiFi powered by the low earth orbit (LEO) satellite constellation, with the first plane expected to be equipped later this year.
Jet It picks SmartSky for in-flight WiFi service
The Jet It fleet will soon offer in-flight WiFi service to its fractional owners. The company selected SmartSky to provide internet service on its fleet of HondaJet and Gulfstream G150 aircraft.
American selects suites for new 787-9 design
American Airlines plans a dramatic revamp to its 787-9 fleet. The carrier will introduce new premium cabin seats on board, including sliding door suites, according to documentation shared with employees.