Does an airline owe passengers a refund if their in-flight wifi doesn’t deliver? Currently that answer is murky. And at least one connectivity provider objects to language used in US Department of Transportation efforts to enact some consumer protection rules around their services.
in flight
Plane Simple BizAv antenna launches from Satcom Direct, QEST
Business aviation integrator Satcom Direct completed testing of its new Plane Simple in-flight connectivity antenna solution, confirming full functionality of the kit across multiple satellites and geographies. Across three days of testing the aircraft flew for 16 hours, transitioning between three satellites on the Intelsat FlexExec network, including crossing the Atlantic Ocean.
Status Check: Faster WiFi installing faster
How to get 300ish aircraft fitted with a new in-flight connectivity system in less than a year? Delta Air Lines and Viasat still intend to hit that target by the end of 2021, thanks to an aggressive schedule and cooperation between many parties.
SmartSky wins millions from, injunction against WSS
The legal battle between SmartSky and supplier WSS reached its conclusion, with SmartSky scoring a massive win. Following their initial lawsuits filed in September, and a WSS counterclaim in December, a binding arbitration ruling announced this week delivered victory to SmartSky on 14 distinct claims.
Inmarsat OneFi aims to better monetize WiFi for airlines
Can an updated wifi portal deliver significant changes in the in-flight passenger connectivity experience? Inmarsat hopes so, as the company launches OneFi, a “customer experience platform” to help improve monetization of the services as well as deliver more options to passengers.
SES-17 launch scheduled for 22 October
A big boost to Ka-band connectivity over the Americas will come next month as SES-17 secures an October launch date.
AERQ partners with ABOVE for digital content workflow
An in-flight entertainment platform without content to show is not much to look at. As cabin digitalization provider AERQ moves towards delivering its solution to airlines it is addressing the content challenge. A new partnership with media processing and distribution platform ABOVE aims to deliver a smooth workflow and stream of content for cabins.
Panasonic picks ThinKom for next gen antenna solution
It is not 2Ku. But the new partnership between Panasonic Avionics and ThinKom definitely covers Ku, too. The two companies announced plans to develop an updated antenna solution to fly with Panasonic’s airline customers, starting from 2023.
QantasLink adds streaming IFE to regional ops
Qantas plans to add in-flight entertainment to its regional jet operations. The carrier’s QantasLink group will add wireless IFE to its jets in partnership with streaming IFE provider Bluebox Aviation Systems.
Greater Bay Airlines selects Burrana RISE for in-seat power
When Greater Bay Airlines takes flight from Hong Kong, expected later this year, passengers will have power available at their seats. While few details of the in-flight product are available, the carrier will offer USB outlets for every passenger, with the RISE USB solution from Burrana.