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IFEC

Gogo AVANCE L5 kit

Gogo’s AVANCE L5 exceeds 500,000 flights

By Business aviation, Featured, IFECNo Comments
Gogo AVANCE L5 kit

Gogo Business Aviation has confirmed AVANCE L5 has flown on more than 500,000 flights since it launched in August 2017.

“Demand for connectivity continues to be very high and the AVANCE L5 and Gogo Biz 4G network are delivering a great experience for customers who are doing data-heavy activities while in flight,” said Sergio Aguirre, president of Gogo Business Aviation. “AVANCE L5 continues to deliver, meeting the ever-increasing needs of our growing customer base.”

There are currently more than 1,500 aircraft flying with an AVANCE L5 system onboard, and across the half a million flights that have been flown with L5, 273.7 terabytes of data have been consumed.

Across Gogo’s systems, flight counts on Gogo-equipped aircraft continue to grow, with third quarter 2021 flight counts up 24% compared to the pre-Covid third quarter of 2019. Also in the third quarter of 2021, Gogo saw a 78% increase in megabytes consumed per day on its network and a 44% increase in megabytes per flight as compared to the third quarter of 2019.

AVANCE L5 is delivering 2-7+ Mbps speeds, based on interviews with more than 70 Gogo customers by Boston Consulting Group. Customers report regularly using video-intense applications like Zoom, Teams, and social media.

November 18, 2021
Embraer E2 family

Viasat IFC become linefit option on Embraer E2 aircraft

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Embraer E2 family

Viasat has become the first Ka-band IFC supplier to have a line-fit IFC solution available on the Embraer E2 family having secured a Buyer-Furnished Equipment (BFE) agreement with Embraer.

Rodrigo Silva e Souza, VP Marketing, Embraer Commercial Aviation, commented: “At Embraer, we pride ourselves on building the world’s most efficient aircraft in their category, as well as on continuously pursuing advancements in technologies that help improve passenger comfort and experience. With Viasat’s IFC system now line-fit available, we are enabling our airline customers to offer a highly optimised in-flight Wi-Fi experience that will keep them highly-competitive and will allow them to delight their passengers.”

Embraer delivered its E195-E2 type certificate with Viasat IFC line-fit to an airline customer in 2020.

November 18, 2021
Panasonic Avionics has been selected by Emirates to deliver a suite of in-flight entertainment (IFE) solutions for its premium economy cabin being rolled out across its fleet.

Emirates continues relationship with Panasonic for premium economy experience

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Panasonic Avionics has been selected by Emirates to deliver a suite of in-flight entertainment (IFE) solutions for its premium economy cabin being rolled out across its fleet.

Panasonic Avionics has been selected by Emirates to deliver a suite of in-flight entertainment (IFE) solutions for its premium economy cabin being rolled out across its fleet.

Panasonic Avionics’ IFE systems are being integrated into the premium economy cabin being introduced on Emirates’ 52 Airbus A380 and 53 Boeing 777 aircraft, with the first due to enter service in the summer of 2022.

This follows the unveiling of Emirates’ premium economy cabin in December 2020, and its initial rollout on several of its newest A380 aircraft.

Emirates’ new premium economy cabins will feature a range of the latest IFE innovations from Panasonic Avionics. Thirteen-inch HD screens will be fitted at each seat, with integrated control buttons, ultra-wide viewing angles, LED backlighting and capacitive touch helping passengers choose from over 4,500 channels of entertainment on Emirates’ ice system powered by Panasonic Avionics.

Passengers can connect their own headphones to the IFE system via Bluetooth, experience its 3D gaming options, use the screen’s high-power USB type A and C chargers, and use AC sockets at each seat to power their laptops.

Ken Sain, Chief Executive Officer of Panasonic Avionics Corporation, said: “Emirates is a longstanding and highly valued customer, and a world leader in the passenger experience it creates. We are thrilled to be partnering with them to deliver innovations that will help put their new premium economy in a class of its own.”

Image: From left to right: Adel Al Redha, Chief Operating Officer, Emirates Airline, and Ken Sain, CEO, Panasonic Avionics Corporation
November 17, 2021
Alaska Airlines has simplified connecting to its in-flight portal for nonstop films, TV shows and satellite Wi-Fi.

Alaska simplifies IFE access

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Alaska Airlines has simplified connecting to its in-flight portal for nonstop films, TV shows and satellite Wi-Fi.

Alaska Airlines has simplified connecting to its in-flight entertainment portal for  films, TV shows and satellite Wi-Fi.

The airline has dramatically cut down on the number of clicks it takes to message friends, play one of more than 1,100 movies and TV shows, or purchase streaming-fast satellite Wi-Fi being rolled out across its mainline fleet.

“We’re always eager to implement new ways to make our technology work smarter and easier for our guests. This significant upgrade to our in-flight entertainment portal is part of that effort, allowing everyone who uses it to have a more enjoyable flight,” said Todd Traynor-Corey, managing director of guest products at Alaska Airlines. “Reliable connectivity and a wide variety of content are important to our guests. On our coast-to-coast flights, about 70% of our flyers log on to our Wi-Fi or enjoy our free movies and TV.”

November 17, 2021
Airbus Corporate Jets (ACJ) and Alpha Star Aviation have signed a Letter Of Agreement for The ACJ Smart LiFi Monitor, a unique in-flight entertainment (IFE) technology.

Airbus announces launch customer for The ACJ Smart LiFi Monitor

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Airbus Corporate Jets (ACJ) and Alpha Star Aviation have signed a Letter Of Agreement for The ACJ Smart LiFi Monitor, a unique in-flight entertainment (IFE) technology.

Airbus Corporate Jets (ACJ) and Alpha Star Aviation have signed a Letter Of Agreement for The ACJ Smart LiFi Monitor, a unique in-flight entertainment (IFE) technology.

Developed with Latecoere, this new technology has been designed to be an easy plug and play solution. It is a multi-technology smart 4K monitor offering Wi-Fi, Bluetooth and LiFi connectivity. LiFi (Light Fidelity) is the latest wireless communication technology which uses light to transmit data. It will allow among others analogue and digital audio output, USB-C ports, 3G-SDI input as well as HDMI connections. Features include Audio Video On Demand (AVOD), casting, mirroring, web browser, live TV, moving map and its own integrated video conferencing.

With this agreement, Alpha Star Aviation, the private aviation services provider headquartered in Riyadh, Saudi Arabia, became the launch customer of the ACJ Smart LiFi Monitor. The customer selected 12 monitors for three of its Airbus corporate jets to provide best in class passenger experience, fully in line with its objective to be a benchmark in private aviation.

From left to right: Abdulnaser Al Kheraif, Alpha Star Aviation Chief Executive Officer / Benoit Defforge, Airbus Corporate Jets President

November 17, 2021
Customised for Kenyan airline Jambojet, Global Onboard Partners’ destination platform Global Destination Explorer, branded Jambojet Destination Explorer, provides information and the best travel tips across the customer journey, before, during and after the flight with helpful real-time notifications in each destination.

Bluebox deploys wireless IFE for Jambojet

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Customised for Kenyan airline Jambojet, Global Onboard Partners’ destination platform Global Destination Explorer, branded Jambojet Destination Explorer, provides information and the best travel tips across the customer journey, before, during and after the flight with helpful real-time notifications in each destination.

Further details of JamboJet’s new in-flight entertainment system have been released.

Customised for Kenyan airline Jambojet, Global Onboard Partners’ destination platform Global Destination Explorer, branded Jambojet Destination Explorer, provides information and the best travel tips across the customer journey, before, during and after the flight with helpful real-time notifications in each destination.

Jambojet Destination Explorer is the main feature of the new JamboPlay IFE service which can be accessed via a browser on passengers’ own devices over a wireless network provided by Bluebox Aviation Systems’ portable wireless IFE platform, Bluebox Wow.

“With the deployment of Jambojet Destination Explorer on Bluebox Wow, we’re demonstrating yet another new application for IFE – tourism and destination promotion. Our digital platform is being used to excite passengers about their destination ahead – engaging them via their own devices and establishing a foothold from which Jambojet itself can explore adding further revenue-generating features to the service as it evolves,” said Paul Rayson, Business Development Director, Bluebox. “Whether more traditional movies and TV, onboard retail, or this kind of unique destination-focused engagement, Bluebox Wow offers so much scope for creativity and innovation, enabling our airline customers an opportunity to explore how best to enhance their own unique passenger experience on board.”

November 17, 2021
Saudia will outfit its upcoming fleet of 20 Airbus A321neo and 15 Airbus A321XLR aircraft with Inmarsat’s GX Aviation high-speed in-flight broadband solution.

Saudia selects Inmarsat’s GX Aviation

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Saudia will outfit its upcoming fleet of 20 Airbus A321neo and 15 Airbus A321XLR aircraft with Inmarsat’s GX Aviation high-speed in-flight broadband solution.

Saudia will outfit its upcoming fleet of 20 Airbus A321neo and 15 Airbus A321XLR aircraft with Inmarsat’s GX Aviation high-speed in-flight broadband solution.

Saudia will be GX Aviation’s launch customer in Saudi Arabia, and the first airline in the region to select Inmarsat’s new OneFi customer experience platform and the first in the world to select GX Aviation’s next-generation terminal, developed with GDC Advanced Technology. The terminal provides enhanced customer flexibility and is future proofed to meet the demands of planned and new constellations.

The airline’s first installation of GX Aviation is expected in late 2022.

Inmarsat’s OneFi platform will allow Saudia to monetise its in-flight connectivity by bringing a host of onboard services together within a single portal interface. The solution, which launched two months ago in September 2021, allows passengers to order food, beverages and duty-free items, enjoy e-books, newspapers and magazines, receive the latest information for their flight and destination, and sign into Saudia’s AlFursan frequent flyer programme, all in real-time from the comfort of their seat.

GDC Advanced Technology will produce and install GX Aviation’s next-generation terminal, with a robust flat panel antenna developed by Thinkom.

Tracy Trent, President of GDC Advanced Technology, said: “More than being just an enabler for the digital transformation of the airline experience, providing a touchless onboard experience will be the key to increasing passenger confidence as regional and global air travel recovers from the global Covid-19 pandemic. GX Aviation is well-positioned to exploit our new lightweight, low drag, ultra-high-performance terminal, and will optimise its capabilities even further, providing Saudia with the perfect blueprint for world-class in-flight broadband that meets passenger expectations for generations to come.”

November 16, 2021
Saudia has selected Panasonic for the provision of 4K and Bluetooth audio in-flight entertainment on its 35 new Airbus A321neo family aircraft.

Saudia selects Panasonic for 4K and Bluetooth IFE

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Saudia has selected Panasonic for the provision of 4K and Bluetooth audio in-flight entertainment on its 35 new Airbus A321neo family aircraft.

Saudia has selected Panasonic for the provision of 4K and Bluetooth audio in-flight entertainment on its 35 new Airbus A321neo family aircraft.

Panasonic already provide IFE for Saudia’s fleet of Airbus A320 and Boeing 787-10 aircraft – with 45 aircraft utilising its technology.

Panasonic’s NEXT IFE system will be installed on 20 new Airbus A321neo and 15 Airbus A321neoXLR aircraft and has been configured to evolve with the future business objectives of the airline.

In addition to the full cabin advanced HD experience, Saudia will also feature Bluetooth audio streaming, allowing Saudi’s passengers to use their own Bluetooth-enabled headphones.

Business class features 16-inch screens and wireless charging, while economy class offers 12-inch 4K screens, and high-power USB charging at every seat.

Captain Ibrahim Koshy, Chief Executive Officer at Saudi Arabian Airlines, said: “We are delighted to be partnering again with Panasonic Avionics who have consistently delivered on their product commitments to provide reliable, engaging, tailored in-flight entertainment for our guests. Implementing their 4K and Bluetooth technology onboard our new fleets will ensure we deliver the best passenger experience in the skies.”

Image: From left to right in the foreground: Captain Ibrahim Koshy, CEO, Saudi Arabian Airlines and Ken Sain, CEO, Panasonic Avionics Corporation.
November 16, 2021
Iraqi Airways has selected Panasonic to outfit its new fleet of 21 narrowbody and 10 widebody aircraft with in-flight entertainment and connectivity.

Iraqi Airways opts for Panasonic IFEC services

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Iraqi Airways has selected Panasonic to outfit its new fleet of 21 narrowbody and 10 widebody aircraft with in-flight entertainment and connectivity.

Iraqi Airways has selected Panasonic to outfit its new fleet of 21 narrowbody and 10 widebody aircraft with in-flight entertainment and connectivity.

These aircraft, which includes five A220, 16 Boeing 737MAX and 10 Boeing 787 aircraft types, will be line-fitted with Panasonic’s X Series IFE solutions and are expected to enter service in October 2022.

Panasonic Avionics’ X Series offers full HD seatback monitors, complete with capacitive touch displays and handsets, and an intuitive, personalised interface. Passengers will have access to USB and laptop charging power points at every seat as well. The X Series portfolio also includes eXW, which delivers a premium passenger experience to passengers’ personal devices.

The airline’s Boeing 737 MAX fleet, which will feature the company’s eX1 narrowbody IFE solution, also offers Panasonic Avionics’ in-flight Wi-Fi service. Its next-generation connectivity enables a host of connectivity benefits, from fast internet to video streaming, all powered by its new satellite modem featuring bandwidth up to twenty times greater than previously available.

Panasonic’s IFEC solutions are also being fitted to Iraqi Airways’ new fleet of five Airbus A220 aircraft, the first of which entered service last month. To meet the airline’s requirement of offering state-of-the-art wireless IFE streaming on its A220 fleet, Panasonic is installing its eXW solution, which delivers a wide range of content to passengers’ personal electronic devices, along with its in-flight Wi-Fi service.

For Iraqi Airways’ B787 aircraft, Panasonic Avionics is providing its eX3 in-flight system and global high-speed connectivity services.

November 15, 2021
Rex Airlines 737-800NG

Rex nears Wi-Fi rollout completion on 737 fleet

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Rex Airlines 737-800NG

Rex, Australia’s largest independent regional and domestic airline has confirmed that four of the six jets in the 737-800NG fleet have been kitted out with Intelsat’s 2Ku Wi-Fi. The remaining two will be similarly equipped in a few months.

“In this day and age business and leisure travellers want to remain connected whether they are on the ground or in the air,” Mayooran Thanabalasingam, Rex’s General Manager, Information Technology and Communications, said.

Business class travellers will enjoy complimentary internet Wi-Fi throughout their journey. Passengers in economy will also enjoy free internet Wi-Fi until the end of November after which they’ll be able to access the internet for a small fee.

Rex passengers will also have access to a new in-flight entertainment (IFE) portal featuring in-flight information, weather and a variety of free-of-charge TV shows and movies which will all be refreshed on a regular basis.

“We’re honoured Rex has chosen us to help them delight their passengers in Australia. As life begins to return to normal in the wake of the COVID-19 pandemic, customers are excited to fly again and we expect their need for connectivity to be even greater than it was before,” said Intelsat Senior Vice President of Commercial for Intelsat Commercial Aviation, Dave Bijur.

November 11, 2021