AJet passengers should expect to benefit from “awesome connectivity at scale” as the low-cost carrier begins rolling out TCI Aircraft Interiors’ integrated inflight connectivity (IFC) solution fleet-wide, according to Hughes Network Systems, a key partner in the new program.
During the Aircraft Interiors Expo in Hamburg, the low-cost carrier subsidiary of Turkish Airlines announced plans to introduce TCI’s innovative high-value IFC solution to 122 aircraft in its first phase. AJet’s current fleet includes 84 narrowbody aircraft comprising Airbus A320 family and Boeing 737 series aircraft, with provisions for future IFC needs.
The broadband IFC solution is anticipated to meet AJet’s requirements “for the next 10 years and provide a competitive advantage,” a TCI spokeswoman stated.
Formerly known as AnadoluJet, AJet operates services across Europe and the Middle East. Its expansion plan includes flying to 44 countries over the next decade.
Led by TCI—formed from last year’s merger of TCI Cabin Interior, TSI Seats, and Cornea—this new IFC project will involve state-owned satellite operator Turksat providing Ka-band geostationary (GEO) satellite service. Hughes will utilize ThinKom Solutions’ Ka2517 VICTS antenna along with its own advanced IFC management capabilities. Turksat has been a long-time partner of Hughes, an EchoStar company. Financial terms were not disclosed.
Reza Rasoulian, senior vice president of the Aviation Business Unit at Hughes, emphasized Hughes’ managed services pedigree and flexible partnership approach. “We’re humbled and ecstatic about that partnership,” he said.
Hughes has provided satellite capacity and Jupiter technology to the aviation market for some time but only recently began serving airlines directly as an aero ISP. The company quickly became a major contender by securing Delta Air Lines as a customer for Ka-band IFC using ThinKom’s Ka1717 package for smaller narrowbodies and regional jets.
“This was like the perfect union of our managed service capability… reduce line maintenance time which is part of everything that we’re doing for Delta,” explained Rasoulian regarding the AJet/TCI IFC project.
The rollout will also allow Turkish Airlines experience with Ka-band IFC. The carrier recently implemented Anuvu’s Ku-band Airconnect solution on over 100 Airbus A321 and Boeing 737NG narrowbodies and offers Panasonic Avionics’ Ku-band IFC on its widebody aircraft.
“I think the industry needs just a little bit of fresh thinking… We wanted to reinvent the experience,” Rasoulian noted. “We have invested a lot, and continue to invest.”
