Commercial airlines will soon have another option for in-flight connectivity (IFC) delivered via low earth orbit (LEO) satellites. Intelsat secured a global distribution partnership with OneWeb, allowing for the development of a multi-orbit offering. The partnership builds on Intelsat’s extensive IFC experience and existing geo-stationary (GEO) satellite service, augmented with the OneWeb LEO constellation.
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Thales FlytLIVE gets boost with SES-17 activation
The official launch of the FlytLIVE in-flight WiFi service on Spirit Airlines earlier this month, after a year of trial operations irepresents a strong return to the in-flight connectivity market for Thales. But the company is not slowing down now that the gear is live; quite the opposite, in fact.
In-flight connectivity’s next major hurdle: Smaller planes
More than a thousand larger regional jets fly across North America. All of them deliver a sub-par inflight WiFi experience. But that could soon change, as multiple airlines move to upgrade the systems on board over the next few years.
Air Canada selects Intelsat 2Ku for A321 internet service
Air Canada’s A321 fleet will soon fly with the Intelsat 2Ku in-flight internet solution. Under the agreement the carrier will upgrade its offering for 15 existing aircraft, while also taking 15 new deliveries with the system installed from the Airbus factory in Hamburg.
Airbus HBCplus qualifies connectivity, adds Safran, Inmarsat as initial providers
Airlines looking for an in-flight satellite connection have a new way to choose. Airbus unveiled its HBCplus offering. a flexible satellite connectivity solution, at Aircraft Interiors Expo in Hamburg this week.
ThinKom targets regional jets with smaller antenna solution
ThinKom’s ThinAir family now has a new kid brother. The company formally launched the ThinAir Ka1717 offering this week, offering a smaller, lighter solution targeting the regional jet market.
Spirit Airlines completes A320 WiFi installs
The Spirit Airlines A320 fleet is now fully fitted with in-flight WiFi. With both the A321 and now the A320 fleets completed, Spirit’s fleet can deliver in-flight internet service on more than 82% of its departures and 87% of its available seat miles.
Two more ESAs prepare for flight
More electronically steered antenna (ESAs) solutions will be flying later this year. At least two more companies are looking to launch test flights of the new technology with a focus on eventually serving commercial aircraft.
LATAM picks Intelsat 2Ku for connectivity growth
LATAM will extend its in-flight WiFi portfolio across all its A320 family planes, thanks to a new deal with Intelsat. The company expects to install the 2Ku system across up to 160 existing and new aircraft in the years ahead.
Inmarsat, GDC celebrate 737 certification of Falcon 300 terminal for GX Aviation
Inmarsat’s new GX Aviation terminal is now FAA certified for installation on Boeing 737 family aircraft. The Falcon 300 kit was developed in partnership with developed GDC Advanced Technology and includes GDC’s dual modem manager (MODMAN), with components by Kontron, and the proven, reliable, low-profile Ka2517 antenna by ThinKom.