The Next Generation

From the Control Tower

There's something of a running joke in the IFC world that the next generation of services is just a year or two away; the engineers are incredibly close to delivering the necessary leaps in technology to make it happen. And that's absolutely still true, thanks to satellite launch cadences and ground infrastructure build out timelines.

But, also, the next generation is arguably finally here. LEO-based constellations are delivering broadband for real. Next gen ATG is being deployed. And new terminal hardware is coming online.

Dare I say, the skeptic in me might finally be forced to accept that progress really is happening.

Connectivity

Hawaiian delivers nearly flawless in-flight internet with Starlink

Yes, the Starlink service on Hawaiian Airlines performs as well as the companies promise. But, also, a couple intereting quirks in the "seamless" experience.

Get SAT gets airborne with Ku-band ESA

The Get Sat Ku-band ESA went flying, part of its testing program as it moves towards certification for in-flight connectivity services.

flynas to add inflight internet

Inflight internet service is coming to the flynas fleet later this year. The air-to-ground solution will be deployed in partnership with SkyFive and stc.

Icelandair extends Viasat deal for A321LR internet services

The next generation of aircraft at Icelandair will fly with the Viasat inflight Wi-Fi service on board

British airways adds free messaging Wi-Fi option

British Airways will add a free tier to its inflight internet offerings, becoming the latest airline to tie internet service to its loyalty program.

Wi-Fi outage on some Delta 767s

Some Delta Air Lines 767s are offline following technical issues reported with the Viasat kit on board.

Anuvu updates microGeo timeline, adds fun satellite names

Anuvu's dedicated microGEO satellite constellation, developed by Astranis has a timeline to get the payloads into space. In an update earlier this month the company disclosed a launch timeline of "mid-2024," as well as names of the new satellites.

In-Flight Entertainment

Apple Vision Pro: A new generation of inflight entertainment (with some safety concerns)

Apple Vision Pro will, of course, be part of the future airline passenger experience. But will passengers be fully immersed from take off to touch down? And how does it impact safety on board?

Cabin Design

American Isn't a Premium Airline — By Design

The airline is staking its future on its network and its loyalty program, chief commercial officer Vasu Raja emphatically said this week at an investor day.

American orders 260 single-aisle aircraft for fleet up-gauging

American Airlines is spreading its delivery timeline and its supplier base, with Embraer, Boeing, and Airbus involved. All told, the carrier announced firm orders for 260 aircraft on Monday, part of its plan to keep the fleet fresh into the next decade.