With the “completion of all technical milestones and the opening of the first fully operational coverage zone,” the SmartSky in-flight connectivity network is beginning to come online. Route-based flight demonstrations can be performed, marking a major pivot point as it moves towards certification and commercial launch.
inflight connectivity
The low-down on LEO IFC options
It should come as no surprise that a trio of Low Earth Orbit (LEO) satellite operators believe more than 90% of in-flight connectivity traffic will pass over their networks in a decade’s time. Still, hearing how SpaceX, OneWeb and Telesat believe their upcoming constellations will compete for traffic during this week’s Connected Aviation Intelligence Summit reveals slightly different takes on the market and what they believe will be necessary to secure customers going forward.
Out with the old, in with Anuvu: Global Eagle launches new branding
New name, same focus on “innovation and future-proof solutions for customers.” That’s the message from Anuvu, the rebranded Global Eagle as it continues to transition under new ownership.
More Delta planes converting to Viasat in-flight WiFi
Chalk up another 230+ Delta Air Lines aircraft to be converted to the Viasat in-flight connectivity platform.
Safran boosts SkyFive, leads Series A funding
Air-to-ground connectivity company SkyFive bolstered its bank account this week, closing a Series A funding round. The round was led by Safran Corporate Ventures. Also participating in the round was STAR Capital, a European private equity fund manager with a track record of developing emerging infrastructure businesses.
Breeze sets initial routes; first flight next week
Breeze is ready to take flight. The newest US carrier announced its route network today, serving 39 nonstop routes between 16 cities in the Southwest, Midwest, Southeast and Eastern US. The airline will waste no time getting its planes into service. The first flights will operate next Thursday, from Tampa to Charleston and then to Hartford.
Spirit Airlines WiFi goes live*
Spirit Airlines is now online in the sky. The first few planes fitted with the company’s in-flight wifi connectivity offering recently entered service for passenger use, though a formal launch is not expected until later this year.
Qingdao Airlines reaffirms full-fleet connectivity plan
Qingdao Airlines is ready for a full-fleet deployment of high-speed in-flight internet service. The carrier reaffirmed its commitment to the FTS Xstream™ high-speed satellite inflight system earlier this month, validating the successful implementation of the first aircraft July 2020.
Global Eagle, Telesat push forward with LEO antenna qualification
Global Eagle is moving closer to a Ka-band in-flight connectivity solution. The company recently cleared a critical milestone in the verification phase for the Global Eagle Airconnect Ka IFC terminal to be used with Canadian satellite operator Telesat’s planned Lightspeed low-earth orbit (LEO) network.
OneWeb buys TrustComm, access to the US government market
LEO satellite operator OneWeb announced plans to acquire Texas-based TrustComm Inc., enabling it to offer Low Earth Orbit network and connectivity services to U.S. government clients and TrustComm customers.