Delta Air Lines confirms it is “exploring” the option to enable multi-link network connectivity in a first for the commercial aviation world. Developed in partnership with Hughes Networks, the carrier expects to see the service flying in late 2025.
Jupiter
Shifting install sequencing
Will airlines hit their 2025 target to replace the inflight internet services on smaller planes in North America? Probably. But the sequence and timing on those appears to be shifting a bit.
Delta selects Hughes to complete Wi-Fi upgrades
Delta Air Lines will add diversity to its inflight internet supply and Hughes has a launch customer for its new Jupiter in-flight service offering. The two will pair up to bring Wi-Fi to more than 400 aircraft across Delta’s fleet.
Deployment challenges hamper ViaSat-3 activation
Viasat’s plans to massively increase capacity and coverage with the ViaSat-3 constellation will have to wait a bit longer. After weeks of speculation and rumors the company confirmed “an unexpected event occurred during reflector deployment that may materially impact the performance of the ViaSat-3 Americas satellite.”
Another regional connectivity deal is done
No one is willing to spill the beans completely, but it appears ThinKom has secured an airline launch customer for its Ka1717 regional jet inflight internet solution.
Hughes signs on as OneWeb partner, launches new IFC options for airlines
Hughes Network Systems is not new to the inflight internet world. But the company is getting more aggressive in its pitch to airlines. Hughes is now a global distribution partner of OneWeb’s LEO constellation services. The deal was announced this week at Aircraft Interiors Expo 2023.
Inmarsat, GDC celebrate 737 certification of Falcon 300 terminal for GX Aviation
Inmarsat’s new GX Aviation terminal is now FAA certified for installation on Boeing 737 family aircraft. The Falcon 300 kit was developed in partnership with developed GDC Advanced Technology and includes GDC’s dual modem manager (MODMAN), with components by Kontron, and the proven, reliable, low-profile Ka2517 antenna by ThinKom.
Spirit Airlines WiFi goes live*
Spirit Airlines is now online in the sky. The first few planes fitted with the company’s in-flight wifi connectivity offering recently entered service for passenger use, though a formal launch is not expected until later this year.
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.