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.
Ka-band
FTS secures BizAv in-flight connectivity deal in China
As the business aviation industry bounces back the need for in-flight internet services on board is proving to be compelling across the globe. And while China has generally lagged in delivering those connections on its domestic aircraft the country’s largest operator of private jets is finally ready to get online.
Viasat teams with Gazprom, TMC for access to Russia
Access to Russia is critical when it comes to delivering satellite connectivity on a global basis. Viasat took a large step forward on that front this week, announcing a MOU with Gazprom for satellite capacity and TMC for the necessary local license to access the market.
Viasat optimistic on aviation market, capacity expansion
Viasat appears spectacularly optimistic these days, riding high on the Delta Air Lines deal and impending ViaSat-3 launch plans. So much so that it now anticipates a permanent positive free cash flow.
Delta picks Viasat for single-aisle connectivity refresh
Delta Air Lines is officially leaving Gogo/Intelsat behind on part of its fleet, switching to Viasat’s Ka-band in-flight connectivity offering on more than 300 single-aisle aircraft. The deal, announced on Tuesday, will see the Viasat kit installed on new delivery and retrofit A321ceo, 737-900ER and select 757-200 aircraft starting this summer.
Keeping it mechanical: QEST announces new Ka-band antenna
QEST expects mechanical antennae to remain key to the in-flight connectivity market for many years to come. The company’s latest offering demonstrates its commitment to that segment, even as it continues to work on ESAs for the longer-term future.
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.
NXTCOMM boosts antenna development, certification leadership
How important is hardware certification for an in-flight connectivity antenna manufacturer? At ESA upstart NXTCOMM the newly hired VP of Aero Structures and Certification will report directly to the CEO to help ensure that the program faces as few internal challenges as possible.
Viasat buys out Eutelsat KA-SAT stake, European wholesale operations
We’re a couple years out from the ViaSat-3 satellite delivering a massive boost in Ka-band satellite capacity over Europe, but Viasat is ready to scale up its offerings on the continent. The company will buy out Eutelsat’s stake in their joint venture (“EBI”) for 140 million euro, giving Viasat full control over the wholesale business as well as the KA-SAT satellite.
NXTCOMM set for ESA testing and more with Eutelsat contract
Of course you need satellite capacity to test a new antenna solution, so signing a contract for that isn’t particularly surprising. But the vision NXTCOMM has for how it might make use of the capacity going forward is far more interesting, a break from the rest of the market.