Two current IFC providers are taking very different paths in the face of LEO connectivity evolving “faster and differently” than expected. Whether they arrive at the same outcome will be very interesting to see.
LEO
ViaSat-3 APAC Launches Successfully
On Thursday morning the third ViaSat-3 satellite successfully lifted off from the Kennedy Space Center on a Falcon Heavy rocket, marking a major milestone in the very important (and rather delayed) program to massively boost capacity in GEO orbit.
A Subtle Shift in Messaging
Parsing the language of a press release can be an interesting challenge. Subtle changes over the past couple months with Southwest Airlines’ IFC play are worth digging in to.
Hughes Snags Air India IFC Contract, Tweaks Antenna Plans
A new customer, new antenna hardware, and new progress on a slightly stalled deployment are all highlights from Hughes Networks’ IFC program in recent weeks.
Volotea to Trial Immfly LEO Inflight Internet
Volotea will bring its fleet online in partnership with Immfly, aiming to deliver operational improvements and improved inflight retail offerings.
Delta Picks Amazon Leo for Next-gen Inflight Internet
Delta Air Lines will activate (at least) 500 aircraft on the Amazon Leo inflight internet service from 2028. The deal will bring low-latency, high-bandwidth capacity to the fleet, boosting performance for passengers and crew alike.
"SkyNet" Inflight Shopping Launches on airBaltic, Starlink
airBaltic aims to pick up some ancillary revenue from inflight shopping, with the launch of Skynet*, “an innovative digital platform available to all travelers on their personal devices throughout the flight,” powered by the carrier’s Starlink IFC service.
Gogo, Hughes Celebrate Installation Milestones for LEO Service
Business jets are steadily picking up the pace on LEO-based satellite internet installations, according to the latest data from Hughes Networks and Gogo.
Approaching the End of the Line
Sometimes things end dramatically. Other times they just peter out.
A Curious IFC Shift
Operating a multi-supplier IFC portfolio is not unique. Still, sometimes those shifts come as a surprise. A report this week very much fits in that latter category to me.