Airlines should not expect their inflight connectivity solutions to be profitable. At least not directly so. And Air Canada seems OK with that situation, finding other ways to justify the proposition.
in flight
Hans Airways picks its wireless IFE Moment
Hans Airways will offer streaming entertainment to passengers when it launches service between the UK and India. The carrier announced a deal with Moment to deliver the Flymingo wireless streaming solution on the carrier’s A330-200 aircraft.
Alaska Airlines adds 100K elite benefits, including free inflight WiFi
How much is a year of free inflight WiFi worth? Top tier elites in the Alaska Airlines Mileage Plan program can make that decision, thanks to the carrier’s new 100K Choice Benefit option.
UK sees “substantial lessening of competition” risk in proposed Viasat/Inmarsat merger
Their overlap in the inflight connectivity segment could derail the proposed merger between Viasat and Inmarsat. UK regulators announced plans to further investigate the competitive impact of the deal.
ThinKom, Inmarsat Global partner for military connectivity boost
Inflight connectivity comes with special needs when military aircraft are involved. ThinKom and Inmarsat Government have teamed up to address those challenges, with a new modem/antenna combination to support DoD activity around the globe.
Gogo evades 5G injunction in SmartSky suit
Gogo scored an early victory in the proceedings of the patent infringement lawsuit brought by SmartSky. The District Court in Delaware declined SmartSky’s request for a preliminary injunction, allowing Gogo to continue developing, installing, and marketing the Gogo 5G solution.
United, T-Mobile activate complimentary WiFi on board
United Airlines is, once again, a partner in the T-Mobile inflight wifi program. The expanded relationship, first tipped two weeks ago, takes effect today. T-Mobile subscribers on eligible plans will receive access to the streaming level connectivity service on select domestic and short-haul international United flights.
SkyFive, Safran Passenger Innovations push forward on connectivity in China
High speed inflight connectivity over China took another step forward earlier this month, as Safran Passenger Innovations (SPI) and SkyFive announced a partnership to integrate their services for airlines. The SkyFive air-to-ground networking hardware will connect to SPI’s RAVE on-board platform, with promises of incredibly high speed, low latency service to passengers.
Dining upgrades on the horizon for Delta’s Premium Select and Main Cabin passengers
More meal options are slowly coming back on Delta Air Lines. Progress is slow, as the carrier works to ensure supply chain stability and downline kitchen availability. But Premium Select and Main Cabin passengers should start to see some improvements as soon as next week.
JSX details Starlink aircraft activation plans
As the first airline to sign for the SpaceX Starlink inflight WiFi solution, JSX also expects to be the first airline to activate the service. Speaking at the Future Travel Experience conference in Las Vegas this week, CEO Alex Wilcox unveiled a few additional details about plans for the service.