One slightly disappointing bit of news from the Breeze A220 unveiling this week is that the in-flight WiFi service will not be available when the planes enter service. Still, there are a few hints as to what the offering will be and how it will be structured for users.
wifi
SpiceJet online later this year with Inmarsat’s GX Aviation
Inmarsat’s GX Aviation in-flight wifi service is expected to come online over India later this year, with SpiceJet as the launch carrier.
Spirit Airlines WiFi hits milestone
Looking for WiFi on a Spirit Airlines flight? Depending on which aircraft type you’re on, the odds of fast, inexpensive connectivity on board could be surprisingly high.
Air Belgium picks Panasonic Avionics for IFE/C on A330neo fleet
Passengers on Air Belgium’s new A330neo fleet will deliver an upgraded in-flight entertainment and connectivity experience to passengers on board. The aircraft are fitted with the Panasonic Avionics IFEC suite, including in-seat entertainment screens and high-speed wifi service.
SmartSky goes live!
The SmartSky air-to-ground networks is – finally – live. The company officially launched commercial operations at the NBAA conference in Las Vegas this afternoon, allowing its OEM and MRO to begin installations and complete additional STCs and Value Added Resellers to activate, connect, and serve customers.
Plane Simple BizAv antenna launches from Satcom Direct, QEST
Business aviation integrator Satcom Direct completed testing of its new Plane Simple in-flight connectivity antenna solution, confirming full functionality of the kit across multiple satellites and geographies. Across three days of testing the aircraft flew for 16 hours, transitioning between three satellites on the Intelsat FlexExec network, including crossing the Atlantic Ocean.
Status Check: Faster WiFi installing faster
How to get 300ish aircraft fitted with a new in-flight connectivity system in less than a year? Delta Air Lines and Viasat still intend to hit that target by the end of 2021, thanks to an aggressive schedule and cooperation between many parties.
Gogo’s Value Pitch
Riding the wave of business aviation recovery, in-flight connectivity provider Gogo is on a mission to make sure the world knows it is a successful business. And one that believes its stock should be trading at a higher price.
SmartSky wins millions from, injunction against WSS
The legal battle between SmartSky and supplier WSS reached its conclusion, with SmartSky scoring a massive win. Following their initial lawsuits filed in September, and a WSS counterclaim in December, a binding arbitration ruling announced this week delivered victory to SmartSky on 14 distinct claims.
Inmarsat OneFi aims to better monetize WiFi for airlines
Can an updated wifi portal deliver significant changes in the in-flight passenger connectivity experience? Inmarsat hopes so, as the company launches OneFi, a “customer experience platform” to help improve monetization of the services as well as deliver more options to passengers.