Don’t call it a comeback; FlexExec’s been here for years. Still, after laying low for a while, Intelsat and Satcom Direct are launching a new push into the business jet connectivity market, with high hopes for improved WiFi service on board.
in-flight internet
JetBlue boosts A220 order book, E190 retirements
JetBlue upped its order book on the A220 to 100 frames, converting 30 options from its existing portfolio. Under the expanded order book the carrier will now take delivery of 92 new A220-300s through the end of 2026.
Anuvu, Telesat link for massive Ka-band capacity
Anuvu’s appetite for bandwidth continues to grow. The company secured a deal with Telesat for 10 gigabits/second of Ka-band capacity to boost mobility connection options.
Venmo takes flight on Southwest
Travelers can now add “Southwest Airlines WiFi” to their Venmo payment comments and really mean it. The airline, in partnership with in-flight WiFi provider Anuvu, added the payment option to its on board portal in recent weeks.
LATAM picks Intelsat 2Ku for connectivity growth
LATAM will extend its in-flight WiFi portfolio across all its A320 family planes, thanks to a new deal with Intelsat. The company expects to install the 2Ku system across up to 160 existing and new aircraft in the years ahead.
Frontier, Spirit announce plans to merge
Frontier Airlines and Sprit Airlines intend to merge, creating a new 5th largest airline in the US.
Aegean’s EAN in-flight WiFi officially goes live
Aegean’s in-flight wifi offering officially entered service. The system, powered by Inmarsat’s European Aviation Network (EAN), is live on seven aircraft and will be active across the full A320 and A321 fleet by the end of 2025.
Virgin Atlantic selects Viasat for in-flight wifi
Virgin Atlantic will soon sport Viasat’s in-flight wifi solution on board at least part of its fleet
Intelsat boosts 2Ku coverage with JSAT deal
Intelsat’s in-flight connectivity solution can offer more and faster coverage across Asia, thanks to a new partnership with Japanese satellite operator JSAT. Intelsat will use Ku-band capacity on the new JSAT-1C high throughput satellite to boost performance on board.
SmartSky adds Global Aviation Technologies for sales, installation
The SmartSky air-to-ground in-flight connectivity solution is now available from Global Aviation Technologies. The Wichita, Kansas location offers installation of the in-stock hardware on aircraft covered by existing certifications.