Inflight messaging services can now be accessed for free on board Vistara’s connected fleet of 787-9 and A321neo aircraft, thanks to a partnership with the Club Vistara loyalty program
Panasonic Avionics
Panasonic Avionics picks Superbird-9 to further extend GEO capacity
Panasonic Avionics continues to boost its satellite capacity, securing access to the SKY Perfect JSAT Superbird-9 satellite for high throughput services focused on traffic over and around Japan.
Malaysia Airlines makes Wi-Fi free on board
Malaysia Airlines is the latest carrier to make inflight Wi-Fi free to all passengers. As of 1 November 2023 the carrier will not charge any travelers on board 20 of its wide-body aircraft to access the internet.
Airbus taps Intelsat, Panasonic Avionics for HBCplus Ku-band services
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.
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.