Delta Air Lines will launch its new, Viasat-powered in-flight connectivity era this weekend. The first A321ceo equipped with the Ka-band satellite connectivity gear expects to enter regular scheduled service on 1 May.
Intelsat
Gogo prices new debt, anticipates huge savings
Gogo announced its long-awaited debt refinancing deal this afternoon, a move that should deliver huge savings for the company. The move allows the company to retire a billion dollars of high-interest debt, reducing both the total leverage and the rate paid.
Gogo, TMobile crack down on WiFi freeloaders
The recovery of passenger traffic in the domestic US market continues to show strength. As travelers return, however, they will notice many changes to the in-flight experience. Among those changes, a shift in the way some inflight connectivity subscriptions operate.
2Ku antenna challenges hit the A220
Air vortices off the 2Ku antenna system are once again causing troubles. This time it is the Airbus A220 affected, with some 65 fitted aircraft up for additional inspection and hardware replacement as a result.
NXTCOMM validates antenna design, sets sights on scale
Transitioning from proof-of-concept to at-scale manufacturing brings many challenges. NXTCOMM is ready to face those down as it plans to deliver its phased array antenna solutions later this year.
Gogo slips 5G to 2022, sees smooth upgrade path
Officially slipping the Gogo 5G network into 2022 from this year is not great news, but Gogo’s overall finances emerged from 2020 stronger than expected and the next 5 years should complete the transformation.
Virgin Atlantic see free WiFi on the horizon, seeks better selling opportunities in the interim
Virgin Atlantic reiterated its expectation that in-flight WiFi connectivity will eventually be free to passengers. But don’t expect that in the immediate future. The company is much more focused today on improving the paid take rates than transitioning to a free model.
Alaska Airlines’ 737 MAX takes flight, without WiFi
Alaska Airlines is the latest member of the 737MAX family, operating its first commercial flights with they type today. But passengers on board faced a bit of a surprise: No WiFi active on the newest plane in the fleet.
Intelsat plans bankruptcy exit, notes liquidation risks
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.
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.