More inflight connectivity opportunities are opening up in China. Viasat is the latest provider to make a move, inking a deal this week with China Satcom to partner on efforts to grow the market and connect planes in the region. The partnership combines Viasat’s on-board experience with China Satcom’s business license, satellites and access to the domestic market.
Ka-band
JetBlue confirms JFK-Guayaquil route for A321neo
JetBlue‘s plans to extend its route network will unfold in stages over the coming couple years, as it reaches deeper into Latin America before jetting off to Europe. The company’s first A321neo aircraft is due for delivery this summer and the airline has a plan for taking advantage of its extended range. Service between JFK […]
PaxEx Premium: A pleasant surprisESA
The only official announcement around electronically steered antennae (ESA) for commercial aircraft this week at Aircraft Interiors Expo in Hamburg came from Gogo. And it probably was the least significant ESA story from the show. Instead, a surprise from a different supplier stole the spotlight.
United’s premium transon fleet gets a Viasat wifi upgrade
Arguably the most premium routes for United Airlines are finally receiving the inflight wifi upgrade they need and deserve.
Inflight Internet in India: An Opportunity Overview
India is one of the fastest growing aviation markets in the world and, somewhat surprisingly, one of the least connected in flight. That will soon change, however, thanks to the recent publication of new government regulations. Indian aviation is about to get online in a big way.
PaxEx Premium: Huge boost for Viasat’s aero play
As the installed aircraft count ticks higher for Viasat so, too, does the share of revenue the company realizes from that segment. The growth rate will slow in the coming year as the American Airlines fleet completes its conversion (more than 450 aircraft installed to date) but CEO Mark Dankberg believes there is still runway left in the market. Even if it is going to be a little later than previously expected.
Neos chooses Viasat for Dreamliner connectivity
Little deals matter, too. Italian leisure carrier Neos is the latest carrier to choose an inflight wifi connectivity solution. The carrier picked Viasat’s Ka-band system to operate on its trio of 787 Dreamliners.
Ball Aerospace successfully tests phased array antenna with Telesat LEO satellite
Score another successful test of existing antenna hardware on the new, LEO satellite technology. This time it is Ball Aerospace and its electronically steered flat panel kit linking up with Telesat’s LEO 1.
PaxEx Premium: Another ThinAir Ka2517 certification in the works
Antenna manufacturer ThinKom confirmed a second STC program currently active for its ThinAir Ka2517 kit. Although the company declined to provide any further details on which inflight connectivity provider or aircraft type is involved, some strong indicators are present, giving PaxEx.Aero confidence in naming a likely first buyer of the product. The A320 STC program...
Norwegian launches free wifi across the Atlantic
Free wifi will soon join low fares on Norwegian’s transatlantic flights. The carrier’s installation of inflight connectivity on its 787 Dreamliner and 737 MAX fleet is underway, some 27 months after the deal was first announced.