Sure, United’s mega Dreamliner order is good news for Boeing. But what other suppliers are set up to win with the fleet refresh coming?
LEO
JSX now online with SpaceX Starlink
The first JSX aircraft carrying the SpaceX Starlink inflight internet service entered service last week. The carrier confirmed that the FAA certification for the installation was received earlier in the week and SpaceX noted that the kit is active.
Stellar Blu, Satcom Direct partner for BizAv LEO services
Business aviation solutions provider Satcom Direct will serve as the preferred provider for Stellar Blu’s Sidewinder antenna systems as the companies roll out the next generation of inflight connectivity for business jets. The Stellar Blu Sidewinder electronically steered array (ESA) terminal will offer a link to OneWeb’s LEO constellation.
AirFi delivers inflight retail for AirAsia (and more)
AirAsia selected the AirFi wireless platform to boost inflight retail sales and entertainment options on board. The carrier has long offered a digital on-board experience across parts of its fleet. Plus, a few other airline customers coming online.
Starlink/JSX STC slips
The first plane is fitted and flying. The new SpaceX Starlink inflight connectivity system on JSX works, and the companies are excited to deploy it fleet wide. Alas, it does not appear they will meet the target timeline of having the system fully installed before the end of the year. The necessary Supplemental Type Certification (STC) remains pending with the authorities.
Panasonic Avionics highlights Stellar Blu antenna for OneWeb LEO service
Last week Panasonic Avionics finally confirmed low earth orbit constellations are officially part of its product road map, in partnership with OneWeb. This week at the APEX EXPO conference in Long Beach, California the company is offering up additional details on how the new capacity will fit into its offerings, and how it expects planes will be connected to the new satellites.
OneWeb successfully orbits 36 more satellites
OneWeb added 36 more satellites to its constellation over the weekend, bringing the total to 462 Gen 1 satellites in orbit.
AirFi LEO aims to alter the inflight retail landscape
It won’t support HD video streaming on board, but the AirFi LEO solution offers an expanded on-board shopping experience, real-time credit card payment authorizations, updated weather reports for pilots, and maybe even basic connectivity for travelers.
Panasonic Avionics, OneWeb team for inflight internet service
Panasonic Avionics (PAC) will add low earth orbit satellites to its inflight internet offerings, thanks to a partnership with OneWeb. The long-expected distribution agreement will enable PAC to market, sell, and support OneWeb’s high-speed, low-latency LEO in-flight broadband services to commercial airlines worldwide.
Starlink Aviation opens up for BizAv orders
Starlink for business aviation is officially on the market, coinciding with the NBAA 2022 conference in Orlando. The company is now accepting orders for the inflight internet service, with hardware to ship in 2023.