United Airlines is making a massive change in its inflight internet offering, finally confirming long-rumored plans to deploy the Starlink solution from SpaceX across its global fleet.
regional jet
Small(ish) airports vie for $30+ million in US DOT support
Scores of airports across the US are vying for funding from the Small Community Air Services Development Program (SCASDP) to boost service.
American’s first satellite Wi-Fi CR7 is back in service
The first plane plane purposefully fitted for multi-orbit inflight internet service is back in service. The CRJ-700, operated by SkyWest for American Eagle, has completed its installation program and is carrying passengers once again.
Multi-orbit connectivity now flying on regional jets
The first commercial aircraft to be fitted with the Intelsat multi-orbit solution, featuring the Gilat/Stellar Blu Sidewinder terminal has left the installation facility and appears to be headed towards entry into passenger service.
Shifting install sequencing
Will airlines hit their 2025 target to replace the inflight internet services on smaller planes in North America? Probably. But the sequence and timing on those appears to be shifting a bit.
Increased supplier option a Plus
Should airlines be concerned that the Airbus HBCplus program limits their options for inflight connectivity? Perhaps not, as reports suggest additional supplier optionality on the horizon.
Talking terminals: Multi-beam options for multi-orbit support
LEO-based Iis still in its early days, but the era of truly multi-orbit, multi-constellation services beckons. That next generation of services will require a new generation of hardware to unlock its full potential.
Intelsat’s CR7 completes certification flights, returns home
After six weeks in Texas the Intelsat CR7 flying test bed is back home, suggesting the certification work for its new LEO/GEO hybrid solution is ready for prime time.
Back in the air: Intelsat’s CR7 test plane flying with production ESA on board
Intelsat’s CRJ 700 returned to the skies on Sunday with the production ready-version of the Stellar Blu Sidewinder terminal installed, enabling certification of the kit for access to both GEO and LEO satellite networks.
Stellar Blu Sidewinder terminal certification slips, production ramps up
Certification timing slipped a bit for the Stellar Blu terminal, leaving Intelsat waiting for installation on its test aircraft. But no one seems to be worried yet.