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Intelsat expands inflight connectivity backlog amid rising competition

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Intelsat expands inflight connectivity backlog amid rising competition
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Intelsat reports significant growth in its backlog for multi-orbit inflight connectivity (IFC) solutions, despite the high-profile presence of SpaceX’s Starlink Low Earth Orbit (LEO) satellite communication system. According to Dave Bijur, Intelsat's head of commercial aviation, "We have more orders than Starlink does," adding that they believe they have secured more orders than any other provider over the past year.

Bijur confirmed that Intelsat’s previous 800-tail backlog has increased through undisclosed customers and emphasized the company’s "great progress" with Boeing's linefit program. Intelsat collaborates with Stellar Blu Solutions, which has a technical service agreement with Boeing for the Sidewinder electronically steered antenna (ESA) package supporting multi-orbit IFC. Stellar Blu is being acquired by Gilat Satellite Networks, targeting an early Q4 closure.

Japan Airlines is the first publicly announced customer for Intelsat's multi-orbit IFC using this hardware on its Boeing 737 MAX aircraft, expected to be factory-fitted starting in 2026. Bijur anticipates concurrent or near-concurrent launch activities among customers Alaska Airlines, Air Canada, and American Airlines by fall.

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Some fitted aircraft may soon be operational. PaxEx.aero reports that an American Airlines CRJ700 has returned to service after testing Intelsat's multi-orbit solution, although it remains unclear if Wi-Fi is active yet. Initial onboard Internet services will utilize geostationary (GEO) satellite capacity from Eutelsat OneWeb LEO by year's end.

Bijur noted that deliveries are accelerating: “I think things get interesting; we’re about to get into the thick of these deliveries.” Frequent flyers have expressed dissatisfaction with legacy air-to-ground connectivity managed by Intelsat (formerly Gogo), highlighting a need for improved systems.

Delta plans to replace its ATG system on regional jets with Hughes Network Systems' Ka-band GEO satcom service supported by ThinKom Solutions' Ka1717 VICTS antenna.

Intelsat showcased its multi-orbit ESA at this year’s Aircraft Interiors Expo in Hamburg. This kit is currently being installed on aircraft.

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