Air Canada took another step forward on its inflight entertainment and connectivity journey over the weekend, as the first A321 with updated systems on board returned to service. The fully retrofit interior offers a bevy of improved passenger experience touchpoints, and more customer-friendly pricing as well.
inflight wifi
Trans-Exec picks Starlink for biz jet internet
Trans-Exec Private Jets will install Starlink for in-flight internet. The SpaceX satellite-based service will be installed on the company’s fleet of Gulfstream aircraft.
Porter Airlines expands Viasat commitment for 20 more E195-E2 jets
Porter Airlines will extend its partnership with Viasat for inflight internet. The next 20 Embraer E195-E2 jets will fly with the Viasat hardware on board, joining the initial 30 which also have the satellite wifi service installed.
Gogo adds AirSprint as first Canadian 5G fleet customer
The Gogo 5G network is set to take flight north of the border. The company announced that AirSprint Private Aviation will fit its business jet fleet with the updated systems, including options to add satellite connectivity on some aircraft.
Viasat updates pricing plans in BizAv push
Viasat expects to deliver improved inflight connectivity to its business aviation customers from early 2024. This “expanded range of service options,” announced at NBAA 2023 in Las Vegas, will be available across a range of antenna terminal hardware
Delta activates inflight internet on ex-LATAM A350
With the single-aisle fleet conversion coming to a close, Delta Air Lines is now moving forward with installations of the Viasat inflight internet system across the long-haul fleet. The first A350 to carry the hardware entered service over the weekend.
Qatar Airways adds Starlink option for inflight internet
Qatar Airways will add SpaceX’s Starlink inflight internet service to some of its planes. The carrier announced the deal on Friday, noting the system will be installed “onboard specific aircraft and routes.”
In search of the optimal curves for drag performance
Aircraft generally adhere to the “less is more” principle, with smaller and lighter components winning out for installation. So hearing that a larger radome might reduce drag on their aircraft relative to smaller options definitely piqued my curiosity.
Beond sets sights on premium Maldives traffic
Take what you know about the premium cabin air travel experience today and throw it away. That is, at least in part, the message of Beond, the upstart all-premium airline set to launch operations from the Maldives next month.
LOT reveals (eventual) new 787-8 interiors
With its 787-8 fleet now pushing past 10 years of age LOT Polish Airlines is ready to update its interiors. The carrier announced plans for a nose-to-tail refresh of the cabins, covering the seats as well as inflight entertainment and connectivity on board.