The battle for terrestrial high speed in-flight connectivity is heating up, but on the satellite-based front Inmarsat continues to demonstrate its power. The company announced its 1000th installation on the JetConnecX platform, backed by the GX Aviation Ka-band satellite constellation.
IFC
Does an airline owe refunds for broken in-flight wifi?
Does an airline owe passengers a refund if their in-flight wifi doesn’t deliver? Currently that answer is murky. And at least one connectivity provider objects to language used in US Department of Transportation efforts to enact some consumer protection rules around their services.
Plane Simple BizAv antenna launches from Satcom Direct, QEST
Business aviation integrator Satcom Direct completed testing of its new Plane Simple in-flight connectivity antenna solution, confirming full functionality of the kit across multiple satellites and geographies. Across three days of testing the aircraft flew for 16 hours, transitioning between three satellites on the Intelsat FlexExec network, including crossing the Atlantic Ocean.
Gogo’s Value Pitch
Riding the wave of business aviation recovery, in-flight connectivity provider Gogo is on a mission to make sure the world knows it is a successful business. And one that believes its stock should be trading at a higher price.
Air France introduces A220, shows off new cabin
The first Air France A220 arrived at the airline’s home base in Paris this week, offering an opportunity for the carrier to show off its new short/mid-haul flagship.
Panasonic picks ThinKom for next gen antenna solution
It is not 2Ku. But the new partnership between Panasonic Avionics and ThinKom definitely covers Ku, too. The two companies announced plans to develop an updated antenna solution to fly with Panasonic’s airline customers, starting from 2023.
Flat-rate connectivity bundles launch from Panasonic Avionics
In-flight connectivity packages measured by the megabyte generally suck for consumers. Uncertainty over consumption rates and costs make for a worse passenger experience. Panasonic Avionics now wants to help address that issue, but more for the airlines than passengers.
Qantas making big moves, looks to restart international travel
The financials are, expectedly, not great for Qantas. But with the carrier’s latest earnings report it also expressed optimism in the reopening of international markets later this year. And, potentially, a return of the A380 to service sooner than expected.
OneWeb secures antenna, investment with Hanwha Systems
Each of OneWeb’s post-bankruptcy investors plays a strategic role in the company’s future. Last week’s news of a new partner keeps that streak alive, as Korea’s Hanwha Systems added $300 million to the company’s coffers.
Perhaps more importantly, however, Hanwha can provide a critical component of the company’s technical roadmap. Expect to see electronically steered antenna (ESA) solutions delivered from Hanwha to power the OneWeb customer terminals.
Anuvu announces STC for A321, Turkish Airlines installs
The Turkish Airlines A321 fleet is now ready for a new WiFi solution on board. The carrier and in-flight connectivity provider Anuvu announced receipt of certification for the Airconnect Global Ku inflight connectivity (IFC) system on the type from European regulators.