Gogo took a big step towards introducing its new high-speed GTO and 2Ku satellite services this week. Passengers will (relatively) soon see a big jump in the bandwidth available on board.
in flight
More delays for Inmarsat GX in-flight internet
The high speed Inmarsat GX data network was dealt another blow this weekend as a launch failure in Kazakhstan leaves the company with much uncertainty over putting the third satellite of its constellation into place. And as it works to figure out what’s next many airline customers are, no doubt, wondering the same thing.
Bugs and quirks day one: American’s 787 in-flight entertainment + connectivity
American Airlines’ latest and greatest planes have in-flight entertainment and connectivity (IFEC) systems to match. Alas, they weren’t working so well on day one of service but hopefully those bugs are worked out quickly.
Stream from the cloud while in the clouds!
JetBlue and Amazon Prime are teaming up to offer streaming media for free while in flight. That’s a bold move given bandwidth costs but it just might work out given the changes in the economics the industry is experiencing.
Pay per byte coming to more in-flight internet plans
The days of flat-rate pricing for in-flight internet may be coming to a close. Panasonic is shifting to megabyte packages rather than per flight offerings as it seeks to make the experience more “fair” for all consumers. At least that’s what they’re saying.
Have they all given up hope for the economy cabin??
It is no secret that economy class cabins have been squeezed ever tighter in recent years. Bad news: Doesn’t seem that’s going to change any time soon. When even the designers and “blue sky” thinkers have given up hope it is hard to remain too optimistic.
JetBlue’s FlyFi Set to Remain Free
The fastest internet in the sky will remain free for customers as JetBlue re-ups its commitment to keep its FlyFi product fee-free. Alas, the fitting of the smaller E190 planes is delayed a bit, but still expected to complete within a year.
Faster in-flight internet planned for Southwest from Global Eagle, SES
Another agreement has been inked to bring faster satellite connectivity to the skies. Global Eagle (IFEC provider to Southwest Airlines, among others) signed a capacity purchase agreement from SES for bandwidth from three new satellites launching in 2017.
Delta signs as Gogo’s largest 2Ku customer
Delta and Gogo are teaming up to dramatically expand in-flight internet connectivity options. More than 250 planes will have faster service covering more of the globe. That’s great news for passengers.
In Flight: United BusinessFirst Seoul-Narita-Newark
Minor (unsolicited) shenanigans and a very nice friend meant my recent flight from Narita to Newark was in the BusinessFirst cabin. Solid product, even while not the best in the market overall.