How to get 300ish aircraft fitted with a new in-flight connectivity system in less than a year? Delta Air Lines and Viasat still intend to hit that target by the end of 2021, thanks to an aggressive schedule and cooperation between many parties.
Satellite
BizAv broadband boosts from Collins Aerospace
Business jet in-flight connectivity scored a boost this week with multiple Collins Aerospace announcements. Whether over Ku or Ka band, the satellite internet options continue to expand, with a new offering and a boost to existing deals.
Panasonic picks ThinKom for next gen antenna solution
It is not 2Ku. But the new partnership between Panasonic Avionics and ThinKom definitely covers Ku, too. The two companies announced plans to develop an updated antenna solution to fly with Panasonic’s airline customers, starting from 2023.
Alitalia Due (a/k/a Italia Trasporto Aereo) applies for US service
Come October 15th Alitalia will cease operations; Italia Trasporto Aereo (ITA) will take its place as Italy’s flag carrier. Except that Alitalia will still probably be in business. ITA confirms that it intends to bid on the Alitalia brand at auction as part of its application to serve the United States.
Anuvu announces STC for A321, Turkish Airlines installs
The Turkish Airlines A321 fleet is now ready for a new WiFi solution on board. The carrier and in-flight connectivity provider Anuvu announced receipt of certification for the Airconnect Global Ku inflight connectivity (IFC) system on the type from European regulators.
Inmarsat boosts L-Band network with ELERA launch
Say hello to the next generation of L-band satellite connectivity. Inmarsat ELERA, unveiled this week, promises a dramatic increase in bandwidth, smaller terminals, and lower costs for the narrow-band market. This should drive a significant boost in aircraft safety, among other facets.
Viasat boosts aviation backlog, lingers over LEO likelihood
Viasat is making a lot of money, even though it cannot add new users to its core satellite offering today. But the company is not shying away from aircraft additions, with hundreds more anticipated over the next couple years.
China Eastern launches local live TV on board with Panasonic Avionics
Live television in flight is coming to China. Panasonic Avionics will deliver multiple channels of live TV service to China Eastern as the launch customer of its expanded channel selection, adding multiple Chinese broadcasters to its portfolio.
Inmarsat to grow connectivity with multi-channel Orchestra platform
What if satellites alone are not the best solution to mobile connectivity demand? Under its newly announced Orchestra initiative, Inmarsat wants to take a different tack. The company plans to layer multiple communications technologies, adding terrestrial services and LEO satellites to the existing GEO satellite footprint. Traffic will route via the best available network at any given time.
PaxEx Premium: Peeling back the layers
How does a major satellite connectivity company solve the problem of congestion at crowded (air)ports without disrupting billions of dollars in existing infrastructure? It is an answer that, much like the network (and ogres), comes with lots of layers.