United recommitted to Viasat’s Ka-band inflight wifi connectivity solution, with the 737 MAX fleet a big part of the news. This is yet another direct win for Viasat in the North American market.
Ka-band
More, better and cheaper wifi in the sky!
More planes are flying with wifi than ever before. Added bonus: It is generally more useful and cheaper, too! Some great data out in the 2018 edition of the Routehappy wifi report, released this week.
Inmarsat, Philippine Airlines hit line-fit milestone
Inmarsat’s high speed Global Xpress inflight wifi connectivity solution appears to have reached a significant milestone this week. It is now possible for airlines to have the system installed at the Airbus factory rather than as an after-market alteration.
Aeromexico brings diversity to 737 connectivity
Aeromexico's first 737 MAX rolled off the assembly line at Renton last week and all indications are that, unlike the company's 737-800s, it will not be flying with the Gogo 2Ku solution.
A mostly successful launch for SES, Yahsat, Arianespace
SES and Yahsat have more capacity in the sky thanks to an Arianespace launch last night. The launch suffered from anomalies after the second stage ignition and the satellites were not inserted where initially expected, though both companies report control of their assets.
JetBlue’s A320 retrofit finally underway
More than two years after initially announced the JetBlue A320 retrofit program is finally underway. The first aircraft is now in the shop and will exit with at least one previously undisclosed surprise on board.
Lufthansa Technik brings more connectivity to the 737MAX
Lufthansa Technik will soon be installing more inflight connectivity. The 737MAX is the target this time, with stronglikelihood of the Inmarsat GX solution being delivered.
Thales, HNA Group deal, but will it really fly?
Thales is the latest IFE/C vendor to partner with Chinese conglomerate HNA Group to deliver entertainment and connectivity services on board. But will they really fly? Concerns about the financial stability of HNA raise significant concerns about the long-term viability of the offerings.
Air Canada’s new radome suggests shifting inflight connectivity strategy
Air Canada's 737 MAX fleet is getting inflight connectivity but it might not be what was expected. The first radome installation is complete and it looks like a new vendor may be in play, with Thales breaking in to Gogo territory.
Which airline is next for Inmarsat’s EAN?
Inmarsat's hybrid EAN service is on track for entry to service in 2018. Could it have a new airline customer to come along with that launch? Signs point to an interesting opportunity within the Lufthansa Group of airlines.