Intelsat has a plan to emerge from its Chapter 11 bankruptcy protection. It involves slashing debt owed by more than half, from $15 billion to $7 billion. But the debtors must agree to those losses. If not, the company faces a more dire outcome, including the likely liquidation of its recently acquired Gogo Commercial Aviation business.
Inmarsat
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.
Norwegian abandons long-haul operations, refocuses on 737 routes in Europe
Chalk up another major long-haul LCC failure. Norwegian will abandon its fleet of 37 787 Dreamliners, refocusing on the short-haul European market served with single-aisle aircraft.
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.
Viasat acquires RigNet, expands satellite service range
Viasat’s global satellite mobility services offering now includes a major off-shore component. The company agreed to acquire RigNet, a provider of networking services to the oil and gas industry, in an all-stock deal that should have some trickle-down impact to the IFEC segment.
Air-to-ground networking coming in New Zealand
New Zealand could be the next country to bring a dedicated air-to-ground (ATG) in-flight connectivity network online. Engineering work is almost complete to develop a trial site for the SkyFive ATG platform in the country.
GX5 is alive: Inmarsat activates newest satellite in the Global Xpress constellation
The Inmarsat Global Xpress (GX) satellite network just tripled its capacity. The newest satellite, GX5, is now active, delivering a massive boost to the Ka-band satellite network.
Inmarsat, GDC, ThinKom update GX antenna, terminal options
Airlines looking at the Inmarsat GX Aviation network have a new option for the antenna and terminal bits, supported by ThinKom and GDC Technics.
The Weekly Wrap: GX+ North America and Spirit’s New Loyalty Program
In this edition of The Weekly Wrap we’re chatting with Philip Balaam, president of Inmarsat Aviation, about the company’s tie-up with Hughes to create a new in-flight connectivity solution, GX+ North America. Plus FreeSpirit, OpenIFC, and showers in the sky.
Inmarsat launches GX+ North America expansion with Hughes
The Inmarsat network just got a lot larger. The satellite connectivity provider is teaming with Hughes to bring the JUPITER High Throughput Satellite Ka-band constellation into the GX Aviation network, a major boost to capacity as the company seeks to capture more of the North American market.