Icelandair will install the Astrova inflight entertainment system from Panasonic Avionics (PAC) on its upcoming A321LR fleet. The kit will provide in-seat entertainment from nose-to-tail, as well as several additional services from PAC for content and advertising management.
IFEC
SD’s Plane Simple Ka-band terminal passes DO-160 milestone
After more than 400 hours of flight testing the Plane Simple Ka-band terminal from Satcom Direct secured DO-160 approval, moving it closer to commercial availability of the in-flight connectivity hardware early in 2024.
Air New Zealand to trial Starlink on domestic fleet
Air New Zealand will trial SpaceX’s Starlink inflight internet service on its domestic fleet. The carrier plans to install the system on an ATR turboprop and an A320 in late 2024 as part of the program.
American taps Intelsat for high speed Wi-Fi on regional fleet
American Airlines will upgrade the inflight internet on its regional jet fleet over the next two years. The carrier selected Intelsat to provide high-speed satellite-based service to just under 500 of the smaller jets.
Alaska Airlines welcomes complexity with Hawaiian Airlines acquisition
Alaska Airlines will buy Hawaiian Airlines for $1.9 billion in a cash transaction. Unlike most other mergers, however, the company plans to embrace the complexity of multiple product offerings as it intends to keep both the Hawaiian and Alaska brands in service.
Cyprus Airways selects AirFi for IFE, inflight sales
Cyprus Airways plans to boost its inflight experience, adding a streaming entertainment platform on board its A220 and A320 fleet, thanks to the AirFi wireless IFE solution.
Aerolineas Argentinas taps Intelsat for LEO/GEO inflight internet
ESAs are not just for regional jets. That is one of the key messages coming out of Argentina this week, as Intelsat and Aerolineas Argentinas team up to add inflight connectivity to part of the carrier’s fleet.
South African Airways selects Inflight Dublin for entertainment boost
Passengers on South African Airways’ widebody aircraft now have access to a brad range of inflight entertainment, thanks to a new content deal with Inflight Dublin. And the single-aisle fleet will also soon have entertainment on board, as the carrier rolls out the Everhub portable IFE solution.
Egyptair taps Panasonic Avionics for IFE/C on new A350 fleet
Egyptair’s new long-haul fleet will fly with updated entertainment and connectivity services from Panasonic Avionics on its new A350 fleet. The carrier ordered 10 of the A350-900s at the 2023 Dubai Air Show, with deliveries expected from 2025.
Airbus hits 125 aircraft commitment milestone for HBCplus Ka-band connectivity
The Airbus HBCplus inflight internet offering is accelerating, with 125 aircraft now contracted for Ka-band connectivity through the OEM-managed program. Deliveries of the fitted aircraft have already begun.