When it comes to tracking connectivity installations, sometimes regulators share the most useful insights. Taking a look at which STCs have (and have not) been issued lately offers up some details on a few key programs across the industry.
Starlink
Air New Zealand to trial Starlink on domestic fleet
Air New Zealand will trial SpaceX’s Starlink inflight internet service on its domestic fleet. The carrier plans to install the system on an ATR turboprop and an A320 in late 2024 as part of the program.
AirBaltic to double A220 fleet
AirBaltic will double down on that A220-300 as the backbone of its fleet. The carrier announced a firm order for 30 more aircraft, plus 20 options, at the 2023 Dubai Air Show this week.
Big revenue, big write-offs for Viasat
Viasat took in $1.2 billion last quarter, but also recognized $1.6 billion in write-offs related to satellite failures and program cancellations. More interesting, however, is growing clarity of what the future constellation will look like – and who the future customer base will be – for the combined companies.
Aero activates Starlink inflight internet on E135 fleet
Scheduled charter operator Aero now provides fast, free Wi-Fi to all its passengers. The company activated the Starlink inflight internet service on its Embraer E135 aircraft this week.
Slower upgrade pacing hits Gogo’s hardware deliveries
Gogo has, once again, revised its revenue guidance lower for 2023. The company now expects 2023 full year revenue between $390-400 million, down from a forecast $440-455 million forecast at the beginning of the year.
Delta selects Hughes to complete Wi-Fi upgrades
Delta Air Lines will add diversity to its inflight internet supply and Hughes has a launch customer for its new Jupiter in-flight service offering. The two will pair up to bring Wi-Fi to more than 400 aircraft across Delta’s fleet.
Trans-Exec picks Starlink for biz jet internet
Trans-Exec Private Jets will install Starlink for in-flight internet. The SpaceX satellite-based service will be installed on the company’s fleet of Gulfstream aircraft.
Qatar Airways adds Starlink option for inflight internet
Qatar Airways will add SpaceX’s Starlink inflight internet service to some of its planes. The carrier announced the deal on Friday, noting the system will be installed “onboard specific aircraft and routes.”
In search of the optimal curves for drag performance
Aircraft generally adhere to the “less is more” principle, with smaller and lighter components winning out for installation. So hearing that a larger radome might reduce drag on their aircraft relative to smaller options definitely piqued my curiosity.