Is there a compelling difference between the technologies providing inflight connectivity today? Or is it all about the business case for airlines? LEO v GEO debates continue, while monetization talk continues to shape decisions.
Starlink
ThinAir Plus partner picked
In an industry full of poorly kept secrets, confirmation of one has finally emerged. Since teasing the ThinAir Plus antenna concept at Satellite 2023 and confirming it at AIX 2023 ThinKom has been loathe to confirm an ESA antenna partner. Until now.
Gulfstream secures STC for G650 Starlink installs
Starting today G650 owners can choose to add Starlink to their planes with the install handled directly by Gulfstream.
FlytEDGE to fly on Qatar Airways A321neo fleet
The next generation of Qatar Airways planes will fly with the latest generation of inflight entertainment, as the carrier selects Thales’ FlytEDGE for its A321neo fleet.
Qatar Airways enters its Starlink era, accelerates deployment plans
Qatar Airways’ first Starlink-equipped 777 entered service on Tuesday, marking several milestones along the way.
Apcela set to bring SmartSky network back to life
Don’t call it a comeback; Apcela’s run the network for years. And now the SmartSky service, which halted operations on 16 August 2024, is set to come back online.
Air France taps Starlink for IFC update
Air France is all-in on Starlink. The carrier confirmed today it will the LEO satellite internet service on board from 2025.
Starlink to fly on United, bringing fast, free wifi to passengers
United Airlines is making a massive change in its inflight internet offering, finally confirming long-rumored plans to deploy the Starlink solution from SpaceX across its global fleet.
Hawaiian’s A330s delivering on the Starlink IFC promise
Hawaiian Airlines is nearing completion of the Starlink deployment on its A330s, ahead of forecasts.
Considering connectivity: flyadeal talks options for inflight internet
With an average trip under two hours it would be easy to argue that flyadeal’s passengers don’t really need internet on board. But CEO Steven Greenway likes to be creative, so maybe inflight WiFi could happen?