Fractional jet operator Airshare will outfit its fleet of Challenger 350 and Challenger 3500 business jets with Viasat’s high-speed inflight connectivity. As the operator seeks to expand its footprint in the United States is sees inflight internet service as a critical factor in delivering increased productivity and efficiency for its customers.
Satellite
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.
airBaltic teases Starlink in-flight internet consideration
Forget detailed RFP cycles or convoluted consulting agreements. When it comes to considering SpaceX’s Starlink as a potential in-flight internet service provider airBaltic CEO Martin Gauss took to Twitter.
True global coverage: Starlink expects inter-satellite links fully online by Q1 ’23
Key to Starlink’s expansion in to the maritime and aviation mobility markets is the ability to deliver service off-shore. And in less than a year the company expects to have enough in orbit to be able to deliver coverage anywhere on earth.
In-flight connectivity’s next major hurdle: Smaller planes
More than a thousand larger regional jets fly across North America. All of them deliver a sub-par inflight WiFi experience. But that could soon change, as multiple airlines move to upgrade the systems on board over the next few years.
Air Canada selects Intelsat 2Ku for A321 internet service
Air Canada’s A321 fleet will soon fly with the Intelsat 2Ku in-flight internet solution. Under the agreement the carrier will upgrade its offering for 15 existing aircraft, while also taking 15 new deliveries with the system installed from the Airbus factory in Hamburg.
Starlink Scuttlebutt: Skepticism and Support
Nearly every conversation about in-flight connectivity at Aircraft Interiors Expo 2022 in Hamburg this week includes mention of the SpaceX Starlink offering. Company executives are wandering the show floor carrying an antenna panel that they hope will soon be certified to fly, while airlines and competitors alike debate the unique path the company has chosen for nearly every facet of the offering.
The future of aircraft interiors: Winners of the Crystal Cabin Awards 2022 announced
No one knows what the future holds. But the Crystal Cabin Awards offer a big hint for the world of aircraft interiors. Held in conjunction with the Aircraft Interiors Expo in Hamburg, and back at full strength after a two year hiatus, this year’s CCA winners touch on sustainability, operational improvements, inflight entertainment, and flight safety.
OneWeb, Stellar Blu confirm successful LEO in-flight connectivity tests on 777
OneWeb and Stellar Blu successfully tested in-flight connectivity across the OneWeb low earth orbit (LEO) constellation.
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.