Connectivity installations slow slightly over the summer, allowing an opportunity to take a big picture look at the industry and where the various players sit in terms of connected aircraft and future commitments. Compared to a year ago some players have shifted positions, even as the total committed count increases. The latter is definitely good news for all involved while the former is better for some than others.
Ku
An asterisk on Gogo’s improving revenue numbers
Gogo posted better than anticipated numbers for Q2 '18 this morning, giving the company's share price a nice boost in early morning trading, though it has since given back some of the gains. The business aviation segment continues to lead the company's fortunes but some glimmers of success in the commercial segments are showing, too. So long as American Airlines is excluded from all considerations.
Inmarsat starts generating GX airtime revenue, seeks greater agility for growth
Inmarsat reported its first half financial results this morning in London with one surprising bit of data: The GX commercial aviation service finally started generating airtime revenue is Q2 '18, more than a year after entering service on some commercial aircraft.
Connectivity milestones aplenty
Just how many aircraft carry inflight connectivity hardware? And which kit?? A pair of announcements this week gives greater insight into which kit is where and how the market is shifting, rapidly in some cases. Not that installation number 1000 matters more than number 999, of course. Yet somehow it does. Just a little.
KLM gets its 2Ku on, too
Nearly two years after the deal was announced the Gogo 2Ku hardware is beginning to show up on KLM aircraft. A pair of A330-300s now carry the kit. The service is not yet active for travelers, but that’s coming soon enough.
[PR] Air Canada brings 2Ku online for intercontinental flights
Air Canada’s long-haul travelers get a new option for inflight connectivity and it is a good one. The carrier’s 19-strong fleet 777-300ER aircraft now serve up internet with the Gogo 2Ku service on board.
Which airline doesn’t hate its connectivity provider?
When senior airline executives are willing to trash their vendors in public that's usually bad news for everyone involved. Welcome to the inflight connectivity world, where airlines are almost as unhappy as the passengers struggling to stay online in the sky. Alas, only part of that frustration is grounded in reality.
[EBACE18] Technik’s home-grown TIOS+ triband radome set to fly on a 737 MAX BBJ
One lucky 737 MAX 8 BBJ customer will soon be flying with the newest triband connectivity radome available in the business aviation market. The sleek tailmount kit is the latest from Technik’s in-house innovation team, part of a transition the company is making towards developing more cool systems rather than just installing those designed by other companies.
Lies, damn lies, and this Inmarsat advert
Looking for some quality misinformation about the current state of the inflight connectivity market? A recent marketing video from Inmarsat is a great place to start, assuming you don’t mind a whole lot of misleading details and partial truths.
Alaska Airlines teases shift in connectivity business model
As Alaska Airilnes shifts its aircraft to Gogo's 2Ku offering passengers will see increased bandwidth, hopefully driving an increase in the number online. But a change in the way the product is priced could throw a wrench in those plans.