Air New Zealand will trial SpaceX’s Starlink inflight internet service on its domestic fleet. The carrier plans to install the system on an ATR turboprop and an A320 in late 2024 as part of the program.
inflight wifi
American taps Intelsat for high speed Wi-Fi on regional fleet
American Airlines will upgrade the inflight internet on its regional jet fleet over the next two years. The carrier selected Intelsat to provide high-speed satellite-based service to just under 500 of the smaller jets.
Alaska Airlines welcomes complexity with Hawaiian Airlines acquisition
Alaska Airlines will buy Hawaiian Airlines for $1.9 billion in a cash transaction. Unlike most other mergers, however, the company plans to embrace the complexity of multiple product offerings as it intends to keep both the Hawaiian and Alaska brands in service.
Aerolineas Argentinas taps Intelsat for LEO/GEO inflight internet
ESAs are not just for regional jets. That is one of the key messages coming out of Argentina this week, as Intelsat and Aerolineas Argentinas team up to add inflight connectivity to part of the carrier’s fleet.
Egyptair taps Panasonic Avionics for IFE/C on new A350 fleet
Egyptair’s new long-haul fleet will fly with updated entertainment and connectivity services from Panasonic Avionics on its new A350 fleet. The carrier ordered 10 of the A350-900s at the 2023 Dubai Air Show, with deliveries expected from 2025.
Airbus hits 125 aircraft commitment milestone for HBCplus Ka-band connectivity
The Airbus HBCplus inflight internet offering is accelerating, with 125 aircraft now contracted for Ka-band connectivity through the OEM-managed program. Deliveries of the fitted aircraft have already begun.
Ethiopian targets major growth with Boeing, Airbus orders in Dubai
Ethiopian Airlines plans a big boost to its fleet, with multiple orders announced at the 2023 Dubai Air Show. The carrier will add both Airbus and Boeing jets to its fleet as it pursues significant growth through its Vision 2035 Strategy.
Safran snags massive contract for Emirates fleet fittings
Safran secured a (not really) billion dollar commitment from Emirates to fit the carrier’s fleet over the decade ahead.
AirBaltic to double A220 fleet
AirBaltic will double down on that A220-300 as the backbone of its fleet. The carrier announced a firm order for 30 more aircraft, plus 20 options, at the 2023 Dubai Air Show this week.
Big revenue, big write-offs for Viasat
Viasat took in $1.2 billion last quarter, but also recognized $1.6 billion in write-offs related to satellite failures and program cancellations. More interesting, however, is growing clarity of what the future constellation will look like – and who the future customer base will be – for the combined companies.