Quantcast

Inflight connectivity industry debates future viability of low earth orbit models

Delta Air Lines bets on ‘blended-wing’ flight to reduce emissions
Europe's airlines pivot to bite size M&A deals to limit cost, regulatory burden
Dave Emerson named new CEO of Virgin Australia, replacing Jayne Hrdlicka
Ryanair DELAYS controversial new boarding pass rule to avoid summer chaos
FAA Orders Inspection, Replacement of 737NG Engine Parts
Spirit Adds New Airport, Three Routes
Delta crash passengers should take the $30,000 payment, their lawyers say. Here’s why.
Budget airline launches new cheap flights to one of the UK’s top winter sun destinations
Brazilian airline Azul to go 'back to basics' after challenging 2024
Airlines cancel flights as air travel to ‘grind to complete halt’ this week ahead of major strike action in Europe
Dramatic moment American Airlines plane diverted to Rome is escorted by fighter jets after mid-air bomb threat
Jetstar Faces Major Backlash as Nationwide System Outage Causes Travel Chaos, Stranding Passengers and Disrupting Flights Across the Australian Airline Industry
Sudden oil supply outages creating turbulence for airline industry
Southwest's layoffs dent its worker-first culture
Abu Dhabi's long-haul carrier Etihad Airways sees record $476 million profit in 2024
Jet2 warns of profits squeeze from rising costs and late bookings
Southwest bends further to activist shareholder Elliott's demands
Downgraded on a flight? Take these simple but important steps to get your money back
Delta Offers Over $2 Million to CRJ Crash Passengers
Boeing Delays Continue for Alaska, Hawaiian
Hong Kong Airlines launches daily Sydney flights
Airline to launch new bunk beds in economy on long-haul flights next year
How Airline Employees Are Coping After Deadly Washington Crash
Major airline reverses in-flight menu change amid outcry
British Airways frequent flyer scheme changes: everything you need to know
Airline introduces world-first hand luggage ban on popular travel gadget
Air Canada Delays Boeing 767 Reentry
Flight Centre tips ‘price war’ as first direct Melbourne to LA Delta flights go on sale
FAA reverses course on meeting prohibition, blaming rogue employee
British Airways tweaks frequent flyer scheme after backlash
Inflight connectivity industry debates future viability of low earth orbit models
Events
Webp f6yhbtzip7n1bl824z3xihud6bag
Runway Girl Network | Runway Girl Network

Panasonic Avionics has invested significantly in geostationary satellite capacity, resulting in improved Net Promoter Scores (NPS) for its legacy GEO-focused inflight connectivity (IFC) solution. However, John Wade, vice president of the connectivity business unit at Panasonic, believes that a Low Earth Orbit (LEO) satcom-only model may be the future of IFC in commercial aviation. This model could potentially use two electronically steered antennas (ESAs) in different frequency bands.

In this scenario, GEO satellites would either not be used for IFC or would be relegated to supporting broadcast TV. Wade commented on the potential overstatement of congestion issues around large metropolitan areas by those advocating for GEO usage: “People who are saying ‘we need GEO for hub cities’ I think are overstating the congestion issues we’re going to see. I don’t think they’re going to be there.”

Wade envisions a future where LEO-only becomes viable once coverage issues are resolved. He stated, “I don’t see any reason why you can’t have a Ku LEO antenna and a Ka LEO antenna on the same aircraft.” Coverage challenges include flying over regions like Russia or China due to geopolitical reasons.

Get the Newsletter
Sign-up to receive weekly round up of news from Sky Industry News
By submitting, you agree to our Privacy Policy and Terms of Service. By providing your phone number you are opting in and consenting to receive recurring SMS/MMS messages, including automated texts, to that number from our short code. Msg & data rates may apply. Reply HELP for help, STOP to end. SMS opt-in will not be sold, rented, or shared.

When asked about the possibility of Eutelsat OneWeb Ku and Telesat Lightspeed Ka service on the same aircraft, Wade responded, “I see no reason why that couldn’t happen in the future.” Panasonic is currently bringing multi-orbit LEO/GEO IFC to market using Eutelsat OneWeb LEO and its own GEO network with Gilat/Stellar Blu’s Sidewinder ESA.

Peter Lemme from Seamless Air Alliance echoed similar sentiments at the Aircraft Interiors Expo (AIX) in Hamburg: “I think there’s a possibility of having two LEO networks on airplanes... something like Starlink (Ku) and Kuiper (Ka).” He highlighted capacity constraints and legal coverage concerns but noted that hybrid terminals embracing both LEO and GEO could route certain traffic efficiently.

However, Dave Bijur from Intelsat disagrees with Wade and Lemme's assessment. Bijur stated, “I don’t believe that network hotspots are solved by more LEO; they suffer the same problem as the LEO satellite right next to it.” He elaborated that demand varies significantly across different regions, which can only be addressed through a multi-orbit system.

Single-band LEO IFC is already being implemented by SpaceX’s Starlink Ku-band service on JSX and Hawaiian Airlines. Other airline customers include airBaltic, Qatar Airways, and WestJet. Hughes Network Systems is also preparing to launch LEO-only IFC with Eutelsat OneWeb service.

Wade acknowledged a role for single LEO-only IFC in certain applications: “If you’re not worried about coverage issues anymore and you’re confident about capacity... we may be looking at a LEO-only world in the future.” He predicts that by the end of this decade, largely LEO-only installations for IFC will become prevalent.

SpaceX considers adding a third ESA for larger aircraft feasible. However, Wade believes two ESAs—one for Ku and one for Ka—are sufficient: “Beyond that... maintenance becomes an issue.” Bijur remains skeptical about multiple antennas on one airplane being practical everywhere.

Eutelsat OneWeb LEO is expected to debut soon in aviation, supporting Intelsat’s multi-orbit IFC and eventually Panasonic’s offerings using a single ESA. Amazon’s Project Kuiper Ka-band LEO constellation aims to offer initial broadband services by 2025 but has yet to disclose specific plans for the aviation/IFC market.

Organizations Included in this History
More News

Southwest Florida International Airport (RSW) has shelved plans for a parallel runway until at least the early 2040s, despite its status as the United States' second busiest single-runway airport.

Mar 29, 2025

Cristiano Ronaldo has acquired a new Gulfstream G650 private jet, valued at $73 million.

Mar 29, 2025

The Cessna Citation I, the original jet that sparked the Citation brand, has left an enduring mark on private aviation.

Mar 29, 2025

The Port Authority of New York and New Jersey has announced the opening of a second sensory room at Newark Liberty International Airport’s Terminal A. This addition aims to enhance the airport experience for travelers with special needs,...

Mar 29, 2025

Delta Air Lines is commemorating its 100th anniversary and among the initiatives to mark this milestone is the renovation of the Delta Flight Museum.

Mar 29, 2025

Delta Air Lines has introduced a new series of trading cards featuring Centennial colors and branding as part of its 100th-anniversary celebrations.

Mar 28, 2025