Sometimes things end dramatically. Other times they just peter out.
Starlink
A Curious IFC Shift
Operating a multi-supplier IFC portfolio is not unique. Still, sometimes those shifts come as a surprise. A report this week very much fits in that latter category to me.
ZIPAIR Activates First Starlink Installation
ZIPAIR’s first 787 is now fitted with Starlink inflight internet. The carrier expects all eight of its 787s to be flying with the service active in the next few months.
Norwegian Passes on Starlink, Cites Strange Reasoning
Norwegian Airlines will pass on Starlink for its inflight internet, the second European U/LCC airline to dismiss the LEO satellite supplier in recent weeks.
Viasat Sees Continued IFC Growth
Viasat reported quarterly aviation services revenue of $303.7 million in Q4 2025 (Q3 FY2026), up from $263.8mm the prior year. How long the company can maintain that pace of growth, however, remains to be seen.
Southwest Swaps to Starlink
Southwest Airlines will swap a sizable portion of its fleet to the Starlink inflight internet solution, and quickly. More than 300 planes are expected to fly the new system by the end of 2026.
Insights on Immfly’s Inflight Connectivity Commitment
Launching a new inflight internet offering is a bold move these days. Competition is fierce, and new entrants typically need deep pockets to make a play. Immfly is undeterred.
Viasat, Telekom Add Serbia Towers for EAN Service Boost
Viasat’s European Aviation Network (EAN) now offers better service over Serbia, thanks to some new cell tower activations.
Panasonic Avionics Adds Spacesail Option for Inflight Internet
Airlines will soon have a LEO option for internet service in China, thanks to a deal between Panasonic Avionics and Spacesail.
Considering Connectivity In, Over, Around, and Beyond China
Airbus announced plans to add the Chinese Spacesail (Qianfan) LEO constellation to its HPCplus portfolio, opening the door to conversations about how else it might end up in service for airlines.