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.
Starlink
American Airlines Launches Free Wi-Fi in 2026
Wi-Fi will be free for American Airlines AAdvantage members from 2026, sponsored by AT&T.
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.
SatShow Scuttlebutt
Some of the smaller hints dropped in various conversations appear to be more significant than they seemed at first blush.
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.
United’s Starlink RJ Takes a Break
After two weeks and 35 active passenger flights United’s first Starlink-equipped regional jet is taking a break.
Air France Refreshes La Première in Premium Push
La Première is getting a refresh, as Air France seeks to draw in more ultra-premium travelers.
Gogo Presses Forward, Slips on Next Gen Network Timing
Gogo continues to make progress in its transformation to next-generation connectivity for the business aviation community. But, as with other recent earnings calls, this week’s included more delays in hitting those targets.
Seeing Stars: Emirates Taps Starlink
Given SpaceX’s announced backlog there’s potential for several more airlines to be part of the Starlink family. And it now appears Emirates is going to become one of them.
United’s first Starlink plane fitted
United’s first regional jet is now fitted with the Starlink inflight internet service. It is the first of more than 1,000 planes the airline plans to fit with the new satellite-based service.