SES will bring together a collective of Ka-band capacity providers under its Open Orbits program, providing a new type of competition in the global inflight connectivity market.
Safran
Feeling the squeeze: 10-abreast A350 moves closer to mainstream
Wider seats have long been part of the Airbus marketing push. That messaging has, however, shifted in recent years, with a narrower seat now seen as “standard” for the long-haul fleet. Now suppliers are feeling a bit of the squeeze as well.
Get SAT gets airborne with Ku-band ESA
The Get Sat Ku-band ESA went flying, part of its testing program as it moves towards certification for in-flight connectivity services.
Safran snags massive contract for Emirates fleet fittings
Safran secured a (not really) billion dollar commitment from Emirates to fit the carrier’s fleet over the decade ahead.
LOT reveals (eventual) new 787-8 interiors
With its 787-8 fleet now pushing past 10 years of age LOT Polish Airlines is ready to update its interiors. The carrier announced plans for a nose-to-tail refresh of the cabins, covering the seats as well as inflight entertainment and connectivity on board.
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.
United’s new single-aisle Polaris seat design details revealed in patent
Wondering what the new Polaris business class seat will look like on United Airlines’ single-aisle aircraft? A recently approved patent shows several key details.
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.
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.
Rolling delays hit inflight connectivity over China
When it comes to inflight connectivity growth opportunity China is hard to ignore. It is a massive market, but one with almost no short-haul aircraft carrying Wi-Fi hardware on board. And despite repeated promises that the online world is finally ready to imminently take flight, at least one supplier is finally backing off the hype and recognizing significant additional delays in getting its systems off the ground.