American Airlines’ premium cabin updates have slipped to 2025, with a stern warning issued from CEO Robert Isom to suppliers. Plus, no sign of free Wi-Fi anytime soon.
Intelsat
Taking Intelsat’s next generation LEO inflight connectivity for a ride
Switching over from the GEO satellites Intelsat has been using to deliver inflight internet to the Eutelsat OneWeb LEO constellation, the backbone of the company’s next-generation inflight internet service, was eye-opening.
JAL brings more Wi-Fi to more passengers for free
Japan Airlines continues to improve its inflight Wi-Fi offering, with more planes now offering fast and free connectivity to travelers on both domestic and international routes.
Alaska Airlines brings live college football on board
Alaska Airlines is adding a smidgen of live sports programming to its inflight entertainment feed, with college football to fly this fall.
American’s first satellite Wi-Fi CR7 is back in service
The first plane plane purposefully fitted for multi-orbit inflight internet service is back in service. The CRJ-700, operated by SkyWest for American Eagle, has completed its installation program and is carrying passengers once again.
Multi-orbit connectivity now flying on regional jets
The first commercial aircraft to be fitted with the Intelsat multi-orbit solution, featuring the Gilat/Stellar Blu Sidewinder terminal has left the installation facility and appears to be headed towards entry into passenger service.
Embraer plans satellite connectivity for E175s
As demand for inflight internet service continues to expand, Embraer is taking steps to ensure its aircraft are not left behind. During FIA2024 the manufacturer announced plans to facilitate satellite connectivity on the E175s by 2026.
Seeking ESA synergies with Gilat, Stellar Blu
Digging deeper into some of the assumptions and potential for a combined Gilat/Stellar Blu after last week’s announced buy out plans.
JAL boosts free internet offerings with streaming service
Free streaming-level Wi-Fi service is coming to JAL’s J-Air E190 fleet later this summer.
ESAs, China, and the future of inflight connectivity
Depending on who you ask – and I asked several people at at Aircraft Interiors Expo 2024 last month – ESAs are the best way forward for inflight connectivity, or a compromise that come up short for airlines.