As Porter Air adds jets to the fleet the on-board experience will see an upgrade as well. The carrier announced the new E195-E2 fleet will include in-flight internet service from Viasat on board.
IFC
Scratch another IFC player from the commercial market
The Dubai Air Show provided plenty of positive news in the in-flight entertainment and connectivity world this week, but also some bad news. A second player is now out of the commercial aviation connectivity business.
Iraqi Airways chooses Panasonic Avionics for IFE/C future
Streaming, in-seat, or internet-connected? Iraqi Airways’ new in-flight entertainment and connectivity plans will include a bit of each, all powered by Panasonic Avionics. The deal, announced at the Dubai Airshow this week, covers 31 aircraft.
Rex activates WiFi on 737s
Australia’s Rex Airlines is now online in the sky. The carrier officially activated the 2Ku satellite internet offering from Intelsat on its fleet of 737-800s. And, to help acquaint passengers with the service, WiFi is free on board for the rest of November.
AERQ launches AERENA, promises airlines IFE revenue boost
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.
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.