Lots of cabin and connectivity news bits to catch up on as the week comes to an end…
Thales
Air India picks Thales for IFE update
Air India’s major content boost will be shown to most passengers on the Thales AVANT Up inflight entertainment system, a major upgrade for the carrier and for passenger experience.
Ethiopian targets major growth with Boeing, Airbus orders in Dubai
Ethiopian Airlines plans a big boost to its fleet, with multiple orders announced at the 2023 Dubai Air Show. The carrier will add both Airbus and Boeing jets to its fleet as it pursues significant growth through its Vision 2035 Strategy.
Emirates boosts long-haul fleet with mega order
Emirates will add 95 more Boeing wide-body aircraft to its fleet over the next decade, further extending its opportunity to either refresh and replace older aircraft, or to grow its fleet. The order was announced Monday on the opening day of the 2023 Dubai Air Show.
Air Canada’s 737 MAX fleet is (finally starting to get) online
It has been a long and winding road, but the first Air Canada 737 MAX plane with an active inflight internet solution is now in service.
Air Canada expands Intelsat partnership for in-flight Wi-Fi on 737 MAX, regional jets
Updated inflight internet systems are coming to Air Canada’s 737 MAX and regional jets. In total, approximately 100 planes will see Intelsat’s systems installed in the years ahead.
Seeking understanding in the IFC world
No one likes to admit it, but every now and then a deal signed to deliver services for an airline turns sour. But those failures are also typically managed privately, and with minimal sniping between parties. When that veil of propriety is pierced, however, things get interesting in a hurry.
Pricing tweaks ahead for Spirit’s in-flight Wi-Fi
Nearly a year after Spirit Airlines formally launched its on-board Wi-Fi program, new plans dynamic pricing models are slated for trial later this year.
ThinKom Plus launches, with hybrid LEO/GEO offering
After teasing the details a bit in March, ThinKom formally launched its ThinAir Plus product line at Aircraft Interiors Expo 2023, integrating an ESA into the footprint of its Ka2517 solution. The system touts multi-constellation, multi-orbit, multi-beam connectivity support. The ThinAir Plus terminal is also the first to offer concurrent, multi-band connectivity in a single package.
Another regional connectivity deal is done
No one is willing to spill the beans completely, but it appears ThinKom has secured an airline launch customer for its Ka1717 regional jet inflight internet solution.