Gallery: New IFEC Equipment Rapidly Increasing Speed, Bandwidth

Linda Blachly

Air Canada selects Intelsat for A321XLR connectivity

Photo credit: Air Canada

Inflight connectivity provider Intelsat will provide its line-fit 2Ku satellite connectivity solution on Air Canada’s upcoming Airbus A321XLR fleet to be installed on the Airbus production line in Hamburg, Germany. In addition, Air Canada has chosen Intelsat to upgrade all 15 of its existing mainline A321ceos with Intelsat’s 2Ku satellite connectivity solution. All 15 retrofit installations are scheduled to occur in Canada beginning in early 2023. These installations will include Intelsat’s next-generation modem, delivering faster speeds to support advanced video streaming while significantly reducing costs.

Qatar, Panasonic ink IFE deal for 777X fleet

Photo credit: Qatar

Qatar Airways has a deal with Panasonic Avionics for its IFE solution, Astrova, which is designed to enhance passenger engagement and drive operational efficiency. The deal was announced at the Aircraft Interiors Expo in Hamburg, Germany in June 2022. Qatar’s Boeing 777X is the first aircraft type to feature the new IFE solution. Panasonic says Astrova demonstrates the company’s new approach to the market by helping airlines achieve a powerful and targeted way of engaging with their passengers through IFE. Astrova features a cinema-grade 4K OLED with high dynamic range experience and Qatar’s customers will have 22-inch screens in business class and 13-inch in economy.

Drukair selects Inflight Dublin’s Everhub

Photo credit: Inflight Dublin

Drukair Royal Bhutan Airlines has picked Inflight Dublin to provide its end-to-end wireless IFE solution, Everhub. As part of a five-year partnership, Inflight Dublin will initially be equipping three of Drukair’s Airbus A319 and A320 aircraft with Everhub. Consisting of hardware, software and content, the range of content includies Hollywood blockbusters, local movies, TV shows, audio, and frequently updated newspapers and magazines.

Inflight Dublin picked by PAL for Everhub trial

Photo credit: Inflight Dublin

Beginning in April 2022, Inflight Dublin has equipped a range of aircraft within Philippine Airlines’ (PAL) fleet including Airbus A330, A350 and Boeing 777 aircraft with the Everhub solution. The package consists of hardware, software and content, as well as Inflight Dublin’s intuitive data analytics platform, IFD Insights The Graphical User Interface (GUI) is fully tailored to PAL’s brand requirements and is available in Tagalog, a new language added by Inflight Dublin to make the experience even more accessible to PAL’s passenger audience. The content package includes Hollywood blockbusters, classic movies, TV shows and documentaries, as well as PAL’s own promotional videos and a survey in the dedicated “Your Flight” section.

OneWeb, Stellar Blu test connectivity on 777-200LR

Photo credit: OneWeb

Two companies—OneWeb and Stellar Blu—aiming to improve inflight connectivity (IFC) have carried out what they describe as the successful delivery of high-speed, low-latency IFC from a low-Earth-orbit (LEO) satellite to a commercial airliner. Communications company OneWeb, which says it has launched around 70% of its planned 648-satellite constellation, and terminal partner Stellar Blu operated a test flight over Texas on May 27. Announcing the milestone on June 14, the companies say that the hour-long flight was operated on board a Boeing 777-200LR testbed flying from Fort Worth Alliance Airport.

Air Canada partners with Intelsat for A321XLR IFEC

Photo credit: Linda Blachly

Air Canada selected Intelsat’s connectivity equipment and services for its Airbus A321XLRs and A321ceos. The announcement was made at the Aircraft Interiors Expo in Hamburg, Germany, on June 17. Intelsat will provide its 2Ku solution as a line-fit system for Air Canada’s A321XLRs. The carrier has a firm order for six and plans to operate a total of 26; the other 20 will be leased in.

Southwest selects Anuvu to upgrade Wi-Fi

Photo by Joe Pries

High-speed connectivity provider Anuvu has partnered with Southwest Airlines to modernize inflight connectivity equipment across 350 of its Boeing 737NG aircraft. This partnership will offer Southwest customers and crew up to 10-times the speed and bandwidth of the current equipment. With Anuvu’s upgraded offering, Southwest passengers will be able to enjoy higher-bandwidth media sites such as HBO Max and Netflix. The full 350-aircraft fleet is planned to be fitted by the end of 2022. The upgraded hardware, coined Dedicated Space, employs software intelligence to make the most efficient use of available bandwidth in real-world conditions, giving passengers a more reliable and stable internet experience.

China Airlines partners with Immfly on IFE

Photo credit: China Airlines

China Airlines has partnered with Immfly’s Fantasy Sky Wireless Entertainment System on Boeing 737-800 long-haul intercontinental flights. The partnership also enables China Airlines to move toward a more sustainable and digital cabin solution as it transitions from printed duty-free and inlfight magazines to complete digital and paperless cabins.

Turkish Airlines launches new A321, 737NG IFC service

Photo credit: Anuvu

Turkish Airlines launched IFC service on its Airbus A321 and Boeing 737NG aircraft, provided by Anuvu and Profen. Anuvu’s Airconnect Global Connectivity system incorporates Turkish Technic servers and wireless access points, and Profen’s Turkiye-based terrestrial infrastructure provides passengers an uninterrupted (gate-to-gate) inflight connectivity experience. As of May 16, the system has been implemented on 13 aircraft and it is planned to complete installations on 103 aircraft by Q2 2023.

Panasonic to install IFE NEXT on Lufthansa 747s

Photo credit: Panasonic Avionics

Lufthansa selected Panasonic Avionics to provide NEXT IFE system and enhanced connectivity solutions for the carrier’s flagship Boeing 747-8 fleet. Panasonic Avionics’ NEXT IFE system will be retrofitted on Lufthansa’s 19 747-8s, with the first scheduled to be rolled out in summer 2024. This higher performance system will offer the latest 4K screen technology, with faster network speeds and higher storage capacity. Business Class passengers will have an enhanced IFE experience with up to 24-inch 4K screens, a large 10-inch additional control unit, high power USB–A / USB-C, AC power and wireless charging capabilities. Premium Economy Class passengers will experience an upgraded 16-inch 4K screen, with a 13-inch 4K screen for Economy Class passengers, both with high power USB-A and USB-C charging.

Bamboo Airways to offer Panasonic IFEC on 787 fleet

Photo credit: Panasonic Avionics

Panasonic Avionics is installing its eX3 in-flight entertainment system on Vietnam-based Bamboo Airways’ Boeing 787-9 fleet, which are entering service on intercontinental routes to Europe and Australia. The system offers HD screens at each seat, complete with capacitive touch displays and handsets, and USB and laptop charging facilities. Business Class passengers have 18-in. HD screens, with 13-in. and 12-in. screens in Premium Economy and Economy Class, respectively.

Southwest to use Viasat IFE for new aircraft deliveries

Photo credit: Viasat

Southwest Airlines has selected Viasat’s next generation Ka-band satellite in-flight connectivity (IFC) system to be factory-installed on all new aircraft deliveries, starting this fall. Features include enhanced internet capabilities while onboard, including the ability to stream content and entertainment, watch live television, and access social media platforms and productivity applications on any internet-ready device, gate-to-gate. Streaming-capable Wi-Fi requires a fast and robust data connection—especially to deliver high quality service on all connected devices while in-flight, regardless of how many passengers are using the system.

Saudia launches new ‘Beyond’ IFE system

Photo credit: Saudia

Saudi Arabia flag carrier Saudia has launched a new IFE system, Beyond, which offers over 5,000 hours of HD content, including, but not limited to, Western and Eastern films and TV shows, as well as a library of E-books, weather reports, shopping, meal ordering, flight information and agenda timeline. Beyond also features the largest Islamic content in the skies. Guests can be notified to the prayer times throughout the journey. A distinct Kid Mode allows younger guests to enjoy a selection of their favorite cartoons, movies and games.

El Al selects Bluebox for IFE on 737s

Photo credit: Bluebox Aviation Systems

Israel flag carrier El Al has selected Bluebox Aviation Systems to provide wireless IFE across 26 of its Boeing 737 aircraft. El Al will be deploying Bluebox’s digital services platform on the battery-operated Bluebox Wow wireless streaming system. The solution will offer El Al passengers a selection of movies, TV programs, games, and a moving map, all streamed to their own devices. In addition to the Bluebox Wow wireless IFE deployment, El Al will be renewing its deployment of Bluebox enabled iPads, pre-loaded with early window IFE content, and enhanced to enable access to content available on the Bluebox Wow wireless system.

Seamless Air Alliance increases membership for IFEC easier access

Photo credit: Seamless Air Alliance

Alaska Airlines, Boeing, JetBlue, Panasonic Avionics, US IT company Riverbed Technology, and Safran have joined the Seamless Air Alliance (SAA), which aims to make it easier for passengers to access inflight connectivity. SAA is a consortium that was founded by Airbus, Delta Air Lines, OneWeb, Sprint and Airtel, amid fears that the current connectivity experience can be brand-damaging. The partners want passengers to be able to automatically connect their devices as easily as they do on the ground, without having to go through complicated login processes and paywalls. The group has already produced the world’s first harmonized inflight connectivity standards, with participation from airlines, manufacturers, mobile-network operators and satellite providers. The latest version of these standards—known as Seamless Release 3—was completed in November 2021 with input from 46 industry participants.

Intelsat to provide IFEC on Alaska Airlines’ 737 MAXs

Photo credit: Alaska Airlines

Alaska Airlines has selected Intelsat to provide IFEC on 105 of the airline’s new fleet of Bowing 737 MAX aircraft. Intelsat-equipped aircraft deliveries have already commenced and will continue through 2024 across the Seattle-based carrier’s new 737 MAX-9s.

Finnair upgrades widebody IFE

Photo credit: Finnair

Finnair selected Panasonic Avionics Corp. to upgrade the inflight entertainment (IFE) systems across the airline’s widebody long-haul fleet. The IFE upgrade is an integral part of the Nordic cabin enhancements being introduced by Finnair across its long-haul fleet, including the introduction of a new Premium Economy cabin. Panasonic Avionics is installing its latest eX3 system in all cabins on Finnair’s eight Airbus A330-300 aircraft – upgrading them from its eX2 system. Finnair’s 19 A350-900 aircraft, which already carry eX3, will also see their premium cabins upgraded to the latest version of the system. The first upgraded aircraft entered service in February 2022.

IAG’s LEVEL partners with Quiver Tree Media on new IFE service

Photo credit: QuiverTree Media

International Airlines Group’s low-cost, long-haul airline LEVEL, in partnership with QuiverTree Media, launched a new entertainment service. Passengers will find a more personalized service with a catalog of more than 400 new titles. LEVEL plans to update the content every three months so frequent flyers can continually have fresh, up-to-date content.

China Airlines’ A321neo offers high-speed inflight broadband

Photo credit: Airbus

China Airlines’ first of 25 Airbus A321neos, which entered commercial service on March 27, 2022, offers an enhanced onboard experience that includes Inmarsat’s high-speed GX Aviation inflight Wi-Fi, allowing passengers to seamlessly browse the internet, stream video and audio, shop online and catch up with work. GX Aviation was well received during the inaugural flight from Taoyuan to Hong Kong, with access provided via the Internet ONAIR solution from Inmarsat’s partner SITA, which has also been selected as connectivity service provider by the Taiwan national carrier.

Novair to trial Everhub IFE

Photo credit: Inflight Dublin

Swedish carrier Novair has selected Inflight Dublin to provide its end-to-end wireless IFE solution, Everhub. Beginning in February 2023, Inflight Dublin will initially be equipping Novair’s fleet of Airbus A321 aircraft with a six-month trial of its Everhub Wireless solution. The fully certified server houses the Everhub software platform, which can be accessed via a web application on passengers’ personal devices. Novair operates a fleet of A321 neos to both traditional Mediterranean destinations and long-distance destinations. Novair was recently sold to Danish Jet Nordic Group, which also operates Jet Time.

Breeze Airways, Viasat partner on IFEC

Photo credit: Viasat

Utah-based Breeze Airways has selected global communications company Viasat to provide IFEC on its Airbus A220-300 fleet from October 2022.

Condor passengers can access IFE via QR code

Photo credit: Inflight Dublin

Frankfurt-based Condor selected Inflight Dublin to provide a full rollout of its wireless IFE solution, Everhub, across its entire narrowbody fleet. From April, Inflight Dublin said it will expand its wireless IFE solution to cover 35 aircraft that includes Airbus A321s, A320s and Boeing 757s. The user-friendly platform will enable passengers to easily access the web-based app by scanning a QR code on the back of their seat. The content package includes the latest Hollywood movies, TV Box Sets, bespoke Audio Playlists, Life & Culture documentaries and local German content as well as Gladi8tor games.

IAG’s LEVEL to offer pre-order onboard services

Photo credit: Immfly

International Air Line Group LCC LEVEL, in partnership with digital services provider Immfly, has launched pre-ordering platform “Fly your way” for passengers to order products before boarding. From comfort items such as eye masks, to an ear phone, to complete menus or hot drinks, the options are varied. With this platform, passengers can choose from a wide range of up to 15 different dishes, as well as tailor all the services that take place at each moment of the flight, so that each person decides what they consume and when they consume it. The products are delivered by the crew directly to the seat and your reservation is made through my.flylevel.com, up to 12 hours before the flight departs. With this new portal, the airline optimizes the cargo on board, reducing not only the weight but also food waste. technology at the service of efficiency.

Thai Airways picks Stellar Entertainment for IFE

Photo credit: Stellar Group

Thai Airways has selected Stellar Entertainment as its new content service partner. From February 2022, Stellar will be supplying Thailand’s national carrier with the full range of IFE services, including account management, strategic curation and licensing of all film, television and audio content, production services, technical services and content delivery.

Intelsat to provide LATAM narrowbody connectivity service

Photo credit: Intelsat

Intelsat will provide connectivity service on LATAM’s fleet of Airbus narrowbodies, including A320s and A320neos based in Chile, Ecuador, Peru and Colombia. The installations will include up to 160 total aircraft and will take three years to complete. Approximately 70 new-delivery aircraft are expected to be installed with Intelsat’s 2Ku system by Airbus, prior to delivery to LATAM, at its manufacturing sites in the US and Europe. When completed, the entire fleet of LATAM narrow body aircraft will be served by Intelsat’s IFC service.

Air Senegal offers Moment’s Flymingo Box

Photo credit: Air Senegal

Air Senegal has selected French tech company Moment to install its wireless IFE system, the Flymingo Box, aboard the airline’s fleet of Airbus A319 and A321s. The Flymingo Box server allows passengers to connect to a local cloud and access streaming content and digital services directly from the browser of their connected devices (smartphone, tablet or pc). The Flymingo Box is a hybrid solution, available in battery or aircraft-powered version, that can store a catalogue of 10,000 hours of content and to broadcast it simultaneously to 100 passengers onboard, a distinguishing feature for airlines. Air Senegal operates its flights from Blaise Diagne International Airport in Dakar and serves 19 routes including domestic and regional destinations, as well as four European destinations, including Paris, Marseille and Barcelona.

Aegean introduces EAN inflight broadband

Photo credit: Aegean

Aegean Airlines has introduced onboard high-speed inflight Wi-Fi, with the installation of Inmarsat and Deutsche Telekom’s European Aviation Network (EAN). As part of the agreement, EAN will be installed on all existing and new Aegean Airbus A320 and A321 aircraft by 2025, with the first seven entering service in February. EAN will also power Aegean’s new bespoke digital portal, which will allow passengers to browse IFC/IFE options via their personal devices, courtesy of a partnership between Aegean and Display Interactive.

Anuvu to provide IFE content for Asiana

Photo credit: Anuvu

Anuvu has partnered with Asiana Airlines as the company's Content Service Provider. Through the partnership, Anuvu will leverage its extensive experience integrating media and content technology to deliver entertainment to passengers via the variety of seatback and overhead systems onboard the airline’s fleet, including Panasonic's eX2, eX3, eFX, eXW and SK3.

Air Côte d’Ivoire selects Moment’s Flymingo Box wireless IFE system

Photo credit: Air Côte d’Ivoire

Air Côte d’Ivoire has chosen the Flymingo Box, Moment’s portable W-IFE system, to provide on-board entertainment. The service is available on selected aircraft and will be extended to the Ivory Coast airline’s entire fleet, consisting of nine aircraft (A320neos, A320s and Q400s). Moment has signed an agreement with Air Côte d’Ivoire to provide a premium cabin experience, relying on the deployment of the portable entertainment system (W-IFE), Flymingo Box.

American A321LXR, 787-9 aircraft to launch with Thales Avant IFE

Photo credit: Thales

American Airlines selected Thales’ AVANT IFE solution to equip its new Airbus A321XLR and Boeing 787-9 aircraft for transcontinental and international travel. American’s aircraft (service entry expected in 2023) will be the launch customer flying with Thales’ new line of Optiq displays, which has 4K high dynamic range (HDR) seatback screens enhanced with Samsung QLED proprietary technology. The system is capable of Bluetooth connection at each seat, which allows passengers to pair their wireless headphones to the system. Premium Class seats will have 17-inch displays accompanied with a 5-inch touchscreen handset offering a true second-screen experience. Premium Economy and Economy Class will feature 13.3-inch displays and 11.6-inch displays, respectively.

New inflight entertainment technologies are rapidly evolving to deliver much more than passive entertainment as innovative onboard trends leap to keep up with passenger demand for the same connectivity speeds and bandwidth they have on the ground.

Linda Blachly

Linda Blachly is Senior Associate Editor for Air Transport World and Aviation Week. She joined the company in July 2010 and is responsible for producing features for Air Transport World’s monthly magazine and engaging content for the aviationweek.com. She is based in the Washington DC office.

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Gallery: New IFE technologies boost passenger experience