The first ViaSat-3 satellite is now in service, providing increased capacity for the company’s airline customers, most notably including roughly 2400 monthly trips between Hawaii and the mainland.
IFEC
Multi-orbit connectivity now flying on regional jets
The first commercial aircraft to be fitted with the Intelsat multi-orbit solution, featuring the Gilat/Stellar Blu Sidewinder terminal has left the installation facility and appears to be headed towards entry into passenger service.
Embraer plans satellite connectivity for E175s
As demand for inflight internet service continues to expand, Embraer is taking steps to ensure its aircraft are not left behind. During FIA2024 the manufacturer announced plans to facilitate satellite connectivity on the E175s by 2026.
Turkish plans free inflight Wi-Fi
Turkish Airlines is promising “free and unlimited Wi-Fi to our entire fleet by the end of 2025.” The reality, however, is slightly more complicated.
Viasat rejigs financial reporting
Viasat’s new reporting structure breaks out revenue by segment much more clearly than before, exposing a couple interesting trends.
Viasat confirms connectivity plans for LOT Polish Dreamliners
Viasat will provide inflight Wi-Fi service to LOT Polish Airlines’ fleet of Dreamliners from 2026 as part of a planned retrofit for the 787s.
Stellar Blu, Fargo Jet Center team for special missions connectivity
Stellar Blu is expanding into special missions, thanks to a strategic partnership with Fargo Jet Center (FJC) to develop and certify solutions targeting the Intelligence, Surveillance, and Reconnaissance (ISR) market.
WestJet taps Starlink for fast, free inflight internet
WestJet will make inflight internet free to all passengers, thanks to a new partnership with TELUS and Starlink.
Window seats win with Qatar Airways’ next gen Qsuites
The next generation of Qsuites for Qatar Airways will feature more space and more privacy for passengers. And, the window seats finally get to take advantage of the communal nature of the product.
AERO VISION promises ad-supported IFE/C for airlines
Can advertising cover the cost of a streaming inflight entertainment and internet deployment? GDC Media is the latest to pitch an IFE/C platform supported by ad revenue rather than passengers paying.