Which is the best inflight internet service flying today? SkyFive recently performed a series of measurements across Europe, benchmarking various systems. The results are, as expected, less than compelling.
Ka-band
CesiumAstro ESA successfully connects in SES, Hughes tests
CesiumAstro successfully tested its active phased array antenna terminal solution with SES’s geosynchronous satellite network, a key milestone as the company works to deliver hardware to the government and commercial aviation sectors.
Viasat suffers power anomaly on I6 F2
For the second time this summer Viasat has seen a failure of efforts to grow its global satellite constellation. The I6-F2 satellite, launched in February by Inmarsat, “suffered a power subsystem anomaly during its orbit raising phase” and will not enter service as planned.
Malaysia Airlines picks Viasat for MAX inflight internet, entertainment
Malaysia Airlines’ upcoming fleet of 737 MAX 8 aircraft will offer inflight internet and wireless entertainment on board, powered by Viasat.
Viasat doubles down on interoperability to address short, mid-term capacity challenges
Despite the troubles with its first flagship ViaSat-3 satellite, Viasat continues to maintain a positive outlook. Yes, the lack of capacity from the new satellite over the Americas is a problem. But for the next couple years that should only impact its terrestrial connectivity business, not the higher-margin mobility or government business lines.
Can a quick integration solve Viasat’s predicament
As Viasat works to mitigate the impact of its ViaSat-3 Americans reflector deployment troubles the company’s integration process with Inmarsat may prove a significant factor.
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.”
Pricing tweaks ahead for Spirit’s in-flight Wi-Fi
Nearly a year after Spirit Airlines formally launched its on-board Wi-Fi program, new plans dynamic pricing models are slated for trial later this year.
Airbus HBCplus Ku-band providers selected
Following the selection of the Safran/ThinKom solution by Airbus for its Ka-band HBCplus inflight connectivity offering in June 2022 the industry has been waiting with baited breath to learn which partners would be selected for the Ku-band offering. This week at Aircraft Interiors Expo 2023 there appears to be an answer.
Stellar Blu secures Boeing line-fit agreement
Stellar Blu just secured a significant boost for its Sidewinder electronically steered antenna (ESA) platform. The company executed an Technical Services Agreement with Boeing that will see the terminal kit as an option for line-fit on the 737 MAX, 787, and 777X types, likely before the end of 2024.