The next generation of Intelsat’s network gained two more satellites this week. The company announced plans to deploy Intelsat 41 (IS-41) and Intelsat 44 (IS-44) in geosynchronous orbit by 2025, expanding coverage, capacity, and – most importantly – flexibility of the company’s network across the globe.
Satellite
Inmarsat connects to first LEO payload
Over the summer Inmarsat announced plans to add multiple new layers to its satellite communication network. Today the company confirms that its first low earth orbit (LEO) test payload is operational.
OneWeb signs Airbus for military, government services contract
Airbus will distribute connectivity services from the OneWeb low earth orbit (LEO) satellite constellation for military and government customers. The distribution agreement signed this week allows Airbus to add the LEO capacity to its existing portfolio and offers a hint of what the products might look like for the commercial segment.
Anuvu adds $50 million for MicroGEO connectivity growth
Four months after announcing plans for a new MicroGEO satellite constellation, in-flight connectivity supplier Anuvu secured $50 million to help develop and launch the platform. The capital is anticipated to support the expansion of the Anuvu Constellation ground and space networks, including its network management and data platforms and advanced mobility-focused antennas.
OneWeb, GDC Technics partner on new ESA solution
OneWeb and GDC Technics signed a Joint Development Agreement to deliver a new in-flight connectivity terminal. The new terminal, based on the electronically steered antenna technology developed by Ball Aerospace, will enable airlines to connect their aircraft, passengers, and crew over OneWeb’s Low Earth Orbit (LEO) satellite communication network.
AirAsia brings Inmarsat GX Aviation installations in-house with Asia Digital Engineering
The AirAsia group is getting deeper into the in-flight connectivity business. Wholly owned subsidiary Asia Digital Engineering (ADE) completed its first installation of the GX Aviation system on a company A320, opening the door to future installations for both AirAsia and other airlines in the region.
Making the Business (Aviation) case for LEO at Gogo
“We are in active conversations in the LEO and ESA world.”
That comment from Gogo CEO Oakleigh Thorne earlier this summer kicked off significant speculation on what the next next generation (after Gogo 5G) will look like.
Scratch another IFC player from the commercial market
The Dubai Air Show provided plenty of positive news in the in-flight entertainment and connectivity world this week, but also some bad news. A second player is now out of the commercial aviation connectivity business.
Rex activates WiFi on 737s
Australia’s Rex Airlines is now online in the sky. The carrier officially activated the 2Ku satellite internet offering from Intelsat on its fleet of 737-800s. And, to help acquaint passengers with the service, WiFi is free on board for the rest of November.
Viasat, Inmarsat to merge, creating connectivity behemoth
Consolidation finally arrived to the in-flight connectivity world, and it arrived in a massive way. Viasat agreed to buy Inmarsat in a deal valued at $7.3 billion. Subject to typical regulatory and closing conditions, the companies hope to close the transaction in the second half of 2022.