Two current IFC providers are taking very different paths in the face of LEO connectivity evolving “faster and differently” than expected. Whether they arrive at the same outcome will be very interesting to see.
SpaceX
ViaSat-3 APAC Launches Successfully
On Thursday morning the third ViaSat-3 satellite successfully lifted off from the Kennedy Space Center on a Falcon Heavy rocket, marking a major milestone in the very important (and rather delayed) program to massively boost capacity in GEO orbit.
Some Starlink Updates from AIX 2026
Starlink launched its commercial aviation offering with an incredibly simple premise: bandwidth solves everything. And that worked, at least initially. As it competes for airline business many of the previously dismissed complexities are now part of the company’s offerings, and more are included with each hardware iteration.
Emirates Confirms Starlink Inflight Internet Upgrade
Emirates is the latest major airline to commit to a fleet-wide deployment of the Starlink inflight internet solution. The first aircraft is already installed.
United’s Starlink Moves to Mainline
United Airlines’ inflight internet upgrade is moving on to the mainline fleet. The carrier announced receipt of STC approval for the first installation on a 737-800 aircraft.
Alaska Airlines Swaps to Starlink
Alaska Airlines, in a not entirely unexpected shift, will deploy Starlink’s inflight internet fleet wide by 2027.
Embraer, Nextant Team for Starlink BizJet Installs
More small and mid-size business jets will soon have access to Starlink’s inflight internet service, thanks to a partnership between Embraer and Nextant.
Intelsat Sees Progress with Boeing for Multi-orbit ESA
Intelsat sees significant progress in its Boeing certification programs, with plans to have the multi-orbit ESA flying later this year and line-fit in 2026.
United Secures Starlink Certification for E175 Fleet
United’s first Starlink-equipped aircraft is now fully certified by the FAA. But the service is not yet active. The carrier intends to flip that switch in May.
WestJet Activates Starlink Inflight Internet
WestJet’s first Starlink-equipped planes are now in service. The carrier quietly activated the system on more than a dozen 737-800s following certification from Transport Canada earlier this month.