ATR announced this week it secured certification for the Starlink system on the ATR 72 family, paving the way for airline installations. Air New Zealand will be the launch customer.
Low Earth Orbit
Delta confirms multi-link IFC plans with Hughes
Delta Air Lines confirms it is “exploring” the option to enable multi-link network connectivity in a first for the commercial aviation world. Developed in partnership with Hughes Networks, the carrier expects to see the service flying in late 2025.
Astranis successfully launches microGEO satellites, including two for Anuvu
With the launch of two Astranis satellites Anuvu enters its microGEO era. NuView-A and NuView-B are expected to bring 50 Gbps of new capacity into Anuvu’s network and serve help shape the next generation of its inflight connectivity concepts.
Leading with LEO
Add another airline to the collection looking at LEO for an inflight connectivity upgrade.
Next-Gen MEO, LEO Coming from SES, Eutelsat with SpaceRISE Deal
A new generation of satellite connectivity is planned, with the European Union mostly footing the bill. SES, Eutelsat, and their IFC customers also stand to benefit from the program.
Under the Radome: Talking Fast & Free Wi-Fi with Air Canada’s Norman Haughton
Developing new offerings is a delicate balance of concepts and planning, pressed against the reality of passenger behavior. Air Canada took a hybrid approach to build its new IFE/C plan.
Intelsat next-gen connectivity goes live
Several months after the first installations completed, the first aircraft with Intelsat’s new inflight connectivity solution is finally serving passengers.
Gogo closes on Satcom Direct acquisition
The Gogo acquisition of Satcom Direct closed, bringing consolidation to the business aviation connectivity market.
Money or Megabits? Making the case for connectivity business models
Is there a compelling difference between the technologies providing inflight connectivity today? Or is it all about the business case for airlines? LEO v GEO debates continue, while monetization talk continues to shape decisions.
ThinAir Plus partner picked
In an industry full of poorly kept secrets, confirmation of one has finally emerged. Since teasing the ThinAir Plus antenna concept at Satellite 2023 and confirming it at AIX 2023 ThinKom has been loathe to confirm an ESA antenna partner. Until now.