New Zealand could be the next country to bring a dedicated air-to-ground (ATG) in-flight connectivity network online. Engineering work is almost complete to develop a trial site for the SkyFive ATG platform in the country.
in-flight connectivity
Air Canada adds WiFi payment via Aeroplan points
Air Canada passengers have a new option to buy in-flight WiFi service. The carrier now offers the ability to pay with Aeroplan points on board.
Aeromexico to resume 737 MAX service on 21 December
Aeromexico is the latest carrier to return its 737 MAX fleet to the schedule. The carrier intends to operate 4 flights with the type on 21 December and grow the operations from there.
GX5 is alive: Inmarsat activates newest satellite in the Global Xpress constellation
The Inmarsat Global Xpress (GX) satellite network just tripled its capacity. The newest satellite, GX5, is now active, delivering a massive boost to the Ka-band satellite network.
Vistara extends in-flight WiFi service in India
Domestic flights in India can now operate with the inflight internet service active. Vistara is first to market, with its A321neo fleet activating.
Intelsat closes on Gogo Commercial Aviation buyout
Gogo is officially out of the commercial aviation in-flight connectivity business. The company closed its $400 million cash transaction with Intelsat early Tuesday morning, making good on a promise from two weeks ago to complete the deal in early December.
New line-fit IFC option confirmed for A320 family
First tipped in September, PaxEx.Aero can now confirm then first line-fit installation on an A320 family aircraft of an in-flight connectivity solution at Airbus’s Finkenwerder final assembly line.
OneWeb emerges from bankruptcy, ready to launch
OneWeb emerged from bankruptcy protection on Friday, poised to resume satellite launches and bring is constellation into service. The company also has a new CEO, and a satellite production facility that won’t be moving to the UK after all.
Viasat buys out Eutelsat KA-SAT stake, European wholesale operations
We’re a couple years out from the ViaSat-3 satellite delivering a massive boost in Ka-band satellite capacity over Europe, but Viasat is ready to scale up its offerings on the continent. The company will buy out Eutelsat’s stake in their joint venture (“EBI”) for 140 million euro, giving Viasat full control over the wholesale business as well as the KA-SAT satellite.
Gogo to Intelsat: Speedy Delivery!
When Intelsat announced plans to buy the Gogo Commercial Aviation (CA) business the plan called for an early 2021 closing. The pair now expect the deal to close in December 2020.