Panasonic Avionics has entered the next stage of its in-flight connectivity solution evolution, with activation of the first extreme high throughput satellite (XTS). The APSTAR-6D satellite launched last summer and is now ready to serve airline customers with additional Ku-band capacity in the Asia-Pacific region.
inflight connectivity
Another fleet comes online
Airlines are still navigating the timing challenges of how and when to return their aircraft to service. But as they do in-flight connectivity remains an important amenity to offer. And if you listen to the suppliers it is even more important now. PaxEx.Aero can now confirm that another airline fleet has wifi installed on board.
JetBlue unveils Mint 2.0, business class cabin for London
This is the new JetBlue Mint business class seat that will carry passengers to London later this year. After years of development the carrier unveiled its Mint 2.0 cabin with a unique all-aisle access, flat bed option for travelers on the A321LR fleet.
Ansat helicopters add Ku-band satellite connectivity
In-flight satellite connectivity is now available on Ansat helicopters in Russia. The Mku30 system from Kazan Helicopters, a subsidiary of the Rostec State Corporation, received regulatory approval for in-flight operations.
Panasonic Avionics extends, expands Sport 24 deal with IMG Media
Millions more passengers could soon see expanded access to live sporting events on their in-flight entertainment screens. Under a renewed and expanded deal announced earlier this month Panasonic Avionics Corporation (PAC) will increase its distribution of IMG’s Sport 24 network to include aircraft outside of its direct service portfolio.
Digging deep: Talking in-flight live television with Panasonic Avionics
On the heels of a significant announcement extending and expanding its Sport 24 live television marketing deal with IMG Media, Panasonic Avionics is spectacularly optimistic about the future of live television as part of the in-flight entertainment content portfolio. Moreover, it expects to change the way that content is packaged and delivered to passengers.
Inmarsat joins Project HEART with connectivity for single-pilot ops
Inmarsat’s European Aviation Network could soon be part of a hydrogen-powered regional flying scheme in the United Kingdom. The effort, driven by the UK government, will also explore the option of single-pilot operations for commercial flights, using the data network to offer support for that pilot while in the sky.
OneWeb shrinks constellation plans, expands funding
OneWeb scaled back its next generation constellation plans while also announcing hundreds of millions of dollars in additional funding that helps the company move closer to placing the initial 648 satellites into service.
Panasonic Avionics bucks consolidation trend, dumps ITC Global
What’s NEXT for Panasonic Avionics? The company sold off its ITC Global maritime connectivity group this week, redoubling its focus on in-flight connectivity. That approach is counter to what many of its competitors are pursuing, however, raising a number of questions.
Counterclaims and Arbitration: WSS and SmartSky continue legal wrangling
The legal battle between SmartSky and supplier WSS continues unabated. And some of the assertions in the counterclaim are spectacularly juicy.