Is there a secret to better financing of inflight connectivity solutions? Indonesia's Mahata Aero Technology (MAT) is the latest to take that plunge, with an arrangement to cover the costs for Garuda and Citilink. The deal relies on partnerships with suppliers Lufthansa Systems, Lufthansa Technik and Inmarsat, along with what MAT Executive Director Iwan Setiawan describes as "a unique business model" that is proving successful in its preliminary state.
Inmarsat
Garuda, Inmarsat ink contract on GX inflight wifi
Indonesian national carrier Garuda is expanding its inflight wifi commitment with Inmarsat’s GX Aviation solution. The move follows the selection earlier this year by Citilink, an LCC carrier in the Garuda Group, to install the same kit. The signed contract also quashes any hopes Global Eagle still had of resuscitating its deal with the carrier.
Ball Aerospace successfully tests phased array antenna with Telesat LEO satellite
Score another successful test of existing antenna hardware on the new, LEO satellite technology. This time it is Ball Aerospace and its electronically steered flat panel kit linking up with Telesat’s LEO 1.
Quick Connect: Citilink goes live on Inmarsat GX
Call it one of the fastest inflight wifi deployment project in history. Inmarsat announced today that its GX Aviation product is live for customers on Citilink Indonesia. The project, spearheaded by Indonesian telecoms provider Mahata Aero Teknologi (MAT), took just six months from the signing of a contract to activation on the first aircraft.
Lounge access, booze and crew bases: Cuts galore at Norwegian
Cost-cutting at Norwegian kicked in to high gear this month. The carrier is trimming expenses in several areas as it seeks to shore up its books. The cuts affect passengers and crew alike, demonstrating just how critical and broad the efforts are. The carrier hopes that the moves will improve profitability and reduce the cost […]
Inmarsat moving EAN to Luxembourg amidst Brexit concerns
A critical component of Inmarsat’s European Aviation Network (EAN) is the grant of S-band spectrum from European regulators. Rather than risking the operation with Brexit the group will rehome the EAN subsidiary to Luxembourg.
Norwegian launches free wifi across the Atlantic
Free wifi will soon join low fares on Norwegian’s transatlantic flights. The carrier’s installation of inflight connectivity on its 787 Dreamliner and 737 MAX fleet is underway, some 27 months after the deal was first announced.
Aer Lingus packs a pair of surprises into A321LR plans
Aer Lingus continues to roll out details on its A321LR fleet plans ahead of delivery later this Spring. The LR will kick off a brand revitalization effort in 2019 extending the carrier’s premium offerings. Even as it seeks to join some parts of the IAG framework, including the (long anticipated) transatlantic fares joint venture, Aer Lingus will keep a streak of independence from its IAG overlords.
Citilink’s first GX wifi installation completed
Just over two weeks after the first Citilink A320 entered the shop for wifi installation it is back in service. Aircraft PK-GQR operated a handful of flights on Wednesday with the Inmarsat GX kit installed.
Singapore Airlines launches new A350 regional service with updated IFE/C solutions
Singapore Airlines pressed its latest A350 configuration into service this week. Adelaide is the first destination to see the mid-haul plane and its new Thales AVANT entertainment and Inmarsat GX connectivity systems on board.