The technology is proven, with hundreds of aircraft connected across Europe. But building out a new in-flight connectivity platform and deploying it to an airline remains an expensive proposition. Global air-to-ground technology provider SkyFive plans to address that major challenge with a new round of funding.
Intelsat
Intelsat brings inflight WiFi online in India
Passengers fly to, from, or over India can now stay online if their aircraft carries the Intelsat 2Ku inflight WiFi system. v
Intelsat goes multi-orbit with OneWeb LEO option for airlines
Commercial airlines will soon have another option for in-flight connectivity (IFC) delivered via low earth orbit (LEO) satellites. Intelsat secured a global distribution partnership with OneWeb, allowing for the development of a multi-orbit offering. The partnership builds on Intelsat’s extensive IFC experience and existing geo-stationary (GEO) satellite service, augmented with the OneWeb LEO constellation.
In-flight connectivity’s next major hurdle: Smaller planes
More than a thousand larger regional jets fly across North America. All of them deliver a sub-par inflight WiFi experience. But that could soon change, as multiple airlines move to upgrade the systems on board over the next few years.
Air Canada selects Intelsat 2Ku for A321 internet service
Air Canada’s A321 fleet will soon fly with the Intelsat 2Ku in-flight internet solution. Under the agreement the carrier will upgrade its offering for 15 existing aircraft, while also taking 15 new deliveries with the system installed from the Airbus factory in Hamburg.
Starlink Scuttlebutt: Skepticism and Support
Nearly every conversation about in-flight connectivity at Aircraft Interiors Expo 2022 in Hamburg this week includes mention of the SpaceX Starlink offering. Company executives are wandering the show floor carrying an antenna panel that they hope will soon be certified to fly, while airlines and competitors alike debate the unique path the company has chosen for nearly every facet of the offering.
Northern Pacific seeks public investors
Northern Pacific Airways is taking a somewhat unusual approach to funding ahead of its expected launch later this year. The carrier is running an open call to unaccredited investors, hoping to boost its visibility in the market, as well as its cash balance.
Feeling ESA pressures
As the next generation of in-flight connectivity technology starts to show signs of actually flying, where will the impact be felt the most?
Alaska Airlines launches $8 flat-rate in-flight WiFi
Fast in-flight WiFi. Fair pricing. But not quite free. That’s the proposition now on offer from Alaska Airlines, as it sets a flat-rate, $8 per flight price point for internet service across its fleet.
Two more ESAs prepare for flight
More electronically steered antenna (ESAs) solutions will be flying later this year. At least two more companies are looking to launch test flights of the new technology with a focus on eventually serving commercial aircraft.