Lufthansa will expand its free messaging offering this summer to passengers on long-haul flights.
inflight wifi
ATR secures EASA certification for Starlink installation
ATR announced this week it secured certification for the Starlink system on the ATR 72 family, paving the way for airline installations. Air New Zealand will be the launch customer.
Delta confirms multi-link IFC plans with Hughes
Delta Air Lines confirms it is “exploring” the option to enable multi-link network connectivity in a first for the commercial aviation world. Developed in partnership with Hughes Networks, the carrier expects to see the service flying in late 2025.
airBaltic’s first Starlink aircraft makes initial test flight
A 96 minute flight over western Latvia on Tuesday kicked off the flight certification program for the Starlink inflight internet service on the airBaltic A220 fleet.
United updates Starlink deployment details
United Airlines says the rollout of its new Starlink-powered inflight internet service will happen faster than previously planned, with the first commercial flight in February 2025.
Leading with LEO
Add another airline to the collection looking at LEO for an inflight connectivity upgrade.
SmartSky Slaps Gogo with Antitrust Claims
Four months after halting operations SmartSky filed a lawsuit against Gogo claiming “systematic anti-competitive practices destroyed competition for internet connectivity in business aviation” and seeking more than $1 billion in damages.
Qatar Airways Further Accelerates Starlink Deployment
More than a quarter of Qatar Airways’ 777-300ER fleet is now flying with Starlink inflight internet on board, less than eight weeks after the first fitted plane entered service.
Under the Radome: Talking Fast & Free Wi-Fi with Air Canada’s Norman Haughton
Developing new offerings is a delicate balance of concepts and planning, pressed against the reality of passenger behavior. Air Canada took a hybrid approach to build its new IFE/C plan.
Air Canada Wi-Fi Going Fast and Free Fleet-wide (even some Q400s!)
Inflight internet service on Air Canada is getting an upgrade. The carrier will shift from free texting on its flights to fast, free, streaming-quality Wi-Fi from May 2025.