Inflight and maritime connectivity secured a boost in capacity from the North Atlantic to the Indian Ocean this week as Eutelsat 10B entered service.
Panasonic
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.
Korean renews inflight Wi-Fi plans
First announced in early 2019, Korean Air is finally ready to activate its in-flight WiFi service. The airline confirmed this week that the 737 MAX fleet will be connected on international routes as of 1 June 2023.
Panasonic brings 3D audio to the skies on Astrova IFE platform
Most conversations around inflight entertainment focus on the video capabilities of the systems. As part of its new Astrova line of IFE hardware, Panasonic Avionics plans to address the audio quality as well.
Air Canada brings free messaging online, expands live TV coverage
Air Canada plans a big boost to its WiFi offerings on board, including a free messaging for travelers. Live television access on board is also expanding.
Viasat, Inmarsat receive provisional merger approval from UK
Should the Viasat/Inmarsat merger eventually close, the company may need to send a thank you present to the Starlink team at SpaceX. After four months of additional review, the UK’s Competition and Markets Authority (CMA) issued a provisional approval to the combination, and the upstart LEO operator is cited as a major factor in the determination.
Zipair pick SpaceX Starlink for IFC update
Japanese long-haul airline Zipair plans to fit its fleet with inflight internet from Starlink. The company announced it would become the first Asian airline to offer the service, fitting out its 787s.
Another Stellar IFC experience flying
As OneWeb moves to deliver its near-global internet services by the end of the year, another aircraft type is now flying with a test version of the Stellar Blu hardware on board.
Delta makes it official: Inflight WiFi will be free
Delta Air Lines is making inflight Wi-Fi free on board. The new program launches 1 February 2023, though it comes with more fine print than the company is letting on.