Is it an in-flight entertainment system or an advertising and retail shopping platform? For the team at AERQ, the new AERENA platform very much appears to be both.
IFC
Viasat, Inmarsat to merge, creating connectivity behemoth
Consolidation finally arrived to the in-flight connectivity world, and it arrived in a massive way. Viasat agreed to buy Inmarsat in a deal valued at $7.3 billion. Subject to typical regulatory and closing conditions, the companies hope to close the transaction in the second half of 2022.
Gogo snags 5G STC partnership for 30 aircraft types
Gogo announced plans to develop STCs for more than 30 aircraft types as part of its 5G rollout. The deal will see Duncan Aviation provide engineering and certification services for a broad range of business jets.
Aegean activates WiFi with Inmarsat’s EAN
Aegean Airlines is the next customer for Inmarsat’s European Aviation Network. The Greek airline installed the hybrid satellite/terrestrial in-flight connectivity solution on at least four aircraft so far, with one known to be active.
From Thales to Inmarsat: An IFEC Executive Shift
Philippe Carette will be the new President of Inmarsat’s Aviation operations from 22 November 2021. He joins the company after eight years at Thales, including the past three as CEO of the Thales InFlyt division.
Dome spotting at the A220 FAL
It is still a few months away, but one of the upcoming A220 deliveries from the Mobile FAL has a special treat on board for its soon-to-be airline owner, as well as for passengers.
A vendor selected
One slightly disappointing bit of news from the Breeze A220 unveiling this week is that the in-flight WiFi service will not be available when the planes enter service. Still, there are a few hints as to what the offering will be and how it will be structured for users.
Successful launch for SES-17, boosting in-flight wifi coverage, capacity
The SES-17 satellite successfully launched into space onboard an Ariane 5 launcher operated by Arianespace. It is expected to enter service in mid-2022.
SpiceJet online later this year with Inmarsat’s GX Aviation
Inmarsat’s GX Aviation in-flight wifi service is expected to come online over India later this year, with SpiceJet as the launch carrier.
IFC Trash Talking
NBAA has come and gone. Both Gogo and SmartSky made major announcements about their upcoming next-gen air-to-ground connectivity solutions. Both obliquely attacked the other in those releases, hinting at why they would be the better choice for a business jet fleet.