Connectivity
Hughes signs on as OneWeb partner, launches new IFC options for airlines
Hughes Network Systems is not new to the inflight internet world. But the company is getting more aggressive in its pitch to airlines. Hughes is now a global distribution partner of OneWeb's LEO constellation services. The deal was announced this week at Aircraft Interiors Expo 2023.
Air Canada plans more free Wi-Fi with regional jet upgrades
Free Wi-Fi is coming to Air Canada's region jet fleet. And, unlike the messaging solution recently announced for the mainline flight, this service will be open for browsing, streaming, and more.
Airbus HBCplus Ku-band providers selected
Following the selection of the Safran/ThinKom solution by Airbus for its Ka-band HBCplus inflight connectivity offering in June 2022 the industry has been waiting with baited breath to learn which partners would be selected for the Ku-band offering. This week at Aircraft Interiors Expo 2023 there appears to be an answer.
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.
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.
In-Flight Entertainment
United, Saudia sign on for Astrova IFE
The newest inflight entertainment platform from Panasonic Avionics scored two key wins at Aircraft Interiors Expo 2023 as long-time customers United Airlines and Saudia both selected the system for upcoming installations.
Cabin Design
Aurora single-aisle lie-flat business class seats unveiled by Collins Aerospace
Collins Aerospace joins the ranks of seating manufacturers with a lie-flat option for single-aisle business class cabins. Dubbed Aurora, the new design was unveiled at Aircraft Interiors Expo 2023 in Hamburg this week.
Recaro’s Xtend option allows exit row legroom shrink
There are scant few areas in an economy class cabin where leg room is a guaranteed amenity. At the over-wing exit row passengers are guaranteed a bit of extra space, but even that benefit may now be coming to an end, thanks to Recaro's Xtend exit row seating option.
Jazeera saves weight, increases cabin capacity with Expliseat TiSeat E2
Jazeera Airways plans to save a lot of fuel flying its existing A320/A321 fleet with a cabin refresh. The carrier is the launch customer for the Expliseat TiSeat E2 on the A320 family, saving roughly 1,200 kilograms per aircraft which it expects will translate to a half million liters per year.
Recaro introduces PL3810, next generation of premium economy
Is it premium economy on long-haul or first class for short-haul? Either way, Recaro expects the PL3810 premium seat will help it continue to deliver comfort to passengers while helping airlines save weight compared to the prior generation.
Unum Two launches as forward-facing business class option
Unum Two is ready to fly. The new forward-facing, lie-flat, direct aisle access business class seat was introduced at Aircraft Interiors Expo 2023 in Hamburg, joining the Unum One herringbone design in the company's portfolio.
Collins brings galley inserts online with low-cost retrofit option
Is the aircraft cabin finally ready to report its health autonomously? Collins Aerospace believes the answer is a resounding yes, with the introduction of a low-cost retrofit solution which allows galley inserts to automatically transmit data in real-time from the aircraft to maintenance operations.