As it developed a new, high-speed, terrestrial inflight communications platform SmartSky also worked diligently to develop a broad intellectual property portfolio. The company hit 150 patents issued in January 2020 and even hosts a separate website dedicated to tracking the portfolio. The patents are intended, among other things, to help the company fend off competition […]
lawsuit
French court rules, refers on EAN licenses
Eutelsat and Inmarsat are both claiming victories this afternoon in France as the Conseil d’Etat, the country's high court, issued a ruling regarding the issuance of licenses for the European Aviation Network (EAN) inflight wifi connectivity solution. It is the latest in the ongoing legal saga over the "complimentary ground component" of the network.
Rising rhetoric: An impending union battle for American Airlines
Who wins in a protracted labor battle? That answer is rarely clear, but passengers nearly always lose in the short term. Calls for the “bloodiest” battle ever in the industry by the American Airlines mechanics union are not going to help alleviate those concerns this summer.
Who will oversee the final days of Jet Airways??
With no money and a bleak outlook for the future who would want to stick around to manage Jet Airways? It seems that the answer is no one, despite the critical work necessary to wrap up the company’s accounts. In the past two day three key executives resigned, making the situation even more pressing.
Inmarsat, British Airways launch EAN connectivity in Europe
“Finally.” That’s the sentiment as the European Aviation Network (EAN) enters service for Inmarsat and British Airways. The soft launch this week is expected to lead to more than a hundred aircraft in service by mid-year.
PaxEx Premium: Inmarsat’s IFC revenues continue inconsistent growth
Another quarterly earnings report from Inmarsat and another bullish report on inflight connectivity revenue. The group reported IFC revenues more than doubled to $101.3m for the full year. As revenue and install count continues to grow Inmarsat is optimistic, though the underlying numbers suggest the potential remains unrealized.
Kiwi offers legal support for sketchy flight bookings
Do you hate following the rules? Feel like airlines need to be taught a lesson in what’s really fair when it comes to fares? Online travel site Kiwi.com wants to help out, possibly even including legal counsel.
PaxEx Premium: Viasat, Inmarsat continue the EAN legal battle
The wheels of justice may turn slowly, but they press forward as Viasat continues its efforts to see Inmarsat's European Aviation Network (EAN) shuttered. The company won a ruling in Belgium that will see some of the open questions passed to the European Court of Justice (ECJ), reaching the top legal threshold and potentially putting an end to the wrangling. Alas, no one expects the answers to come quickly.
Inmarsat moving EAN to Luxembourg amidst Brexit concerns
A critical component of Inmarsat’s European Aviation Network (EAN) is the grant of S-band spectrum from European regulators. Rather than risking the operation with Brexit the group will rehome the EAN subsidiary to Luxembourg.
PaxEx Premium: Digging into the Thales lawsuit claims
With billions of dollars in contracts at stake perhaps it makes sense that Thales would seek extra help in securing new deals. That it stands accused of failing to pay its partner for that help is less good. That it now also likely faces scrutiny from US and international regulators related to suspicious payment schemes and efforts to influence leaders of foreign airlines is even worse. Welcome to the fun and exciting world of supplier deals in the Middle East.








