Airlines will soon have a LEO option for internet service in China, thanks to a deal between Panasonic Avionics and Spacesail.
Starlink
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.
Ryanair Ready for Wi-Fi, Refuses to Pay For It
As Elon Musk and Michael O’Leary trade barbs online over potential inflight internet offerings the Ryanair boss is clear: He wants internet on the planes, so long as he doesn’t have to pay for it.
Lufthansa Group Shifts 850 Aircraft to Starlink
Lufthansa Group will fit its entire fleet with Starlink’s inflight internet service, adding another 850-ish planes to the SpaceX backlog, with the first aircraft expected to be online by the end of the year.
NetJets Swaps to Starlink
NetJets will fit more than 600 business jets with the Starlink inflight internet service, dramatically trimming its partnership with Gogo.
Korean Air Picks Starlink for Full Fleet Connectivity
Korean Air will deploy the Starlink inflight internet solution across its fleet, and it will bring Asiana Airlines, Jin Air, Air Busan, and Air Seoul along for the ride.
JSX to Launch ATR Service at Santa Monica
JSX’s plan to bring turboprops into smaller airports will officially take flight on 19 December, with the inaugural flight from Las Vegas to Santa Monica Airport (SMO).
Etihad Expands Viasat Inflight Internet Commitment
For the past few years Etihad has been rolling out Viasat’s inflight internet service on its new aircraft. This week the carrier confirmed it will shift its connectivity portfolio fully to Viasat’s Amara multi-orbit offering.
Emirates Taps Safran Seats, Panasonic Avionics in Updated Retrofit Plans
The next tranche of Emirates’ retrofits will be a bit different inside, with updated seats and IFE/C systems, plus a new factory on the side.
Vallair, AeroX Team for Starlink Install Services
Airlines looking for a bit of help with Starlink installations now have a new option in Châteauroux, France, thanks to a new partnership between Vallair and AeroX.