Major optimism from suppliers as the first regional jet WiFi upgrades are set for installation. But there’s still lots of debate as to which solution is technically best for the regional jet market and beyond.
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Alaska Airlines picks Intelsat for E175 streaming WiFi upgrade
Alaska Airlines will offer “streaming fast” Wi-Fi on its E175 fleet, beginning in 2024. The carrier plans to upgrade those aircraft, extending its longstanding partnership with Intelsat.
Does ATG have a future in commercial aviation?
Cellular-based air-to-ground technologies brought inflight internet to thousands of aircraft and millions of passengers, first in North America, then in Europe and beyond. And while the technology continues to grow in some markets, some suppliers are more skeptical of its continued value, at least for commercial airlines.
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.
Is Allegiant ready to add inflight WiFi?
Little by little, the Allegiant passenger experience is changing. Could inflight WiFi be next?
Intelsat goes multi-orbit with OneWeb LEO option for airlines
Commercial airlines will soon have another option for in-flight connectivity (IFC) delivered via low earth orbit (LEO) satellites. Intelsat secured a global distribution partnership with OneWeb, allowing for the development of a multi-orbit offering. The partnership builds on Intelsat’s extensive IFC experience and existing geo-stationary (GEO) satellite service, augmented with the OneWeb LEO constellation.
Eutelsat, OneWeb to merge in LEO/GEO push
The next generation of the OneWeb constellation is now funded. Eutelsat will divert its dividend payments for the next two years to help cover the cost of building and launching the expanded low earth orbit constellation as part of a merger deal between the two companies announced on Tuesday. v
Dash 8 adds IFE/C with Starlink option
In-flight WiFi connectivity is coming to the turboprop market. De Havilland Aircraft announced a series of enhancements to its Dash 8-400 offering, including integration of a Starlink in-flight internet kit on board.
Carlisle delivers ESA mount kit for Gilat
When Gilat Satellite Networks brings its new electronically steered antenna (ESA) solutions to the commercial aviation market, they’ll be mounted on an Integrated Adapter Plate from CarlisleIT. The companies announced the partnership this week at Aircraft Interiors Expo 2022 in Hamburg.
ThinKom targets regional jets with smaller antenna solution
ThinKom’s ThinAir family now has a new kid brother. The company formally launched the ThinAir Ka1717 offering this week, offering a smaller, lighter solution targeting the regional jet market.