The Airbus HBCplus program now has Ku-band service providers confirmed. Intelsat and Panasonic Avionics will participate in the program, offering connectivity services for aircraft fitted with the Airbus’ Ku-band ESA terminal from GetSat/Safran Passenger Innovations.
Panasonic Avionics
Wi-Fi now active on Korean’s A321neo, powered by Viasat
Korean Air activated inflight Wi-Fi on its A321neo fleet this month. The carrier selected Viasat as the provider, diversifying its supplier base.
Vistara dumps data caps, adds streaming to inflight internet
Vistara has revamped the pricing plans for its inflight internet service, removing data caps from the pricing equation and adding a premium option which supports “all streaming protocols.”
GEO keeps growing for Panasonic Avionics
Panasonic Avionics plans a 50% growth in its GEO satellite network capacity. Alas, the company won’t really share any details beyond that, which raises additional questions.
Swiss introduces free messaging, cheaper inflight connectivity packages
One of the most expensive inflight internet services is about to become massively more affordable. Swiss is dramatically revamping its inflight connectivity pricing, including introducing a free messaging tier.
Eutelsat 10B enters service
Inflight and maritime connectivity secured a boost in capacity from the North Atlantic to the Indian Ocean this week as Eutelsat 10B entered service.
United launches new first class seats for single-aisle fleet
First class passengers on United Airlines might soon be flying in newly designed seats. The new seat features upgrades to the inflight entertainment system, as well as improved comfort and privacy for travelers, with plans to install it on more than 200 (mostly brand new) single-aisle aircraft by 2026.
Seeking understanding in the IFC world
No one likes to admit it, but every now and then a deal signed to deliver services for an airline turns sour. But those failures are also typically managed privately, and with minimal sniping between parties. When that veil of propriety is pierced, however, things get interesting in a hurry.
United, Saudia sign on for Astrova IFE
The newest inflight entertainment platform from Panasonic Avionics scored two key wins at Aircraft Interiors Expo 2023 as long-time customers United Airlines and Saudia both selected the system for upcoming installations.
ThinKom Plus launches, with hybrid LEO/GEO offering
After teasing the details a bit in March, ThinKom formally launched its ThinAir Plus product line at Aircraft Interiors Expo 2023, integrating an ESA into the footprint of its Ka2517 solution. The system touts multi-constellation, multi-orbit, multi-beam connectivity support. The ThinAir Plus terminal is also the first to offer concurrent, multi-band connectivity in a single package.