Airlines

Alaska Airlines plans streaming-fast satellite Wi-Fi upgrades to E175 regional jets

Alaska Airlines elevates its regional flying experience with an all-jet fleet, and become the first major airline to announce plans to offer streaming-fast satellite Wi-Fi on a regional jet aircraft. It have selected Intelsat’s newest satellite Wi-Fi technology to make that happen.

How Does In-Flight Wi-Fi Really Work?(Opens in a new browser tab)

Intelsat’s new system closely aligns with Alaska’s needs for regional fleet. The new, faster service will utilize an electronically steered array (ESA) which is a small, lighter weight antenna with no moving parts – making it easier to maintain in the unique regional environment. In an industry first, Intelsat’s new system will communicate with both traditional geostationary (GEO) satellites and new low Earth orbit (LEO) satellites. With an additional $25 million investment, this upgrade represents a major step forward in the travel experience for guests, enabling higher speeds and more coverage in the air, particularly across areas in the state of Alaska.

The new system will debut on Horizon Air, and sister airline, in early 2024 and roll out across regional jet fleet, including on partner SkyWest, over a two-year period. With nearly all mainline fleet set to feature satellite Wi-Fi by this April – also installed by Intelsat, on track to provide consistent streaming-fast Wi-Fi across entire fleet by 2026.

Virgin Orbit wants to be the ‘Uber for satellites’. Its cost-effectiveness is explained.(Opens in a new browser tab)

With satellite Wi-Fi, you can stream, browse and chat on board using the internet much like you’re used to when you’re on the ground. You can enjoy content on your personal devices from your favorite services such as Netflix, Hulu, YouTube and TikTok. Or jump online if you need connectivity to get some work done. Another bonus: On aircraft enabled with satellite Wi-Fi, you can connect from the moment you board instead of waiting for the connection to kick in after the boarding door closes – it’s seamless connectivity from gate to gate.

Airlines

Air India Rolls Out A350s for Delhi-New York JFK and Newark Routes

In a major development for North American travelers, Air India has announced the deployment of its state-of-the-art Airbus A350-900 aircraft on two key routes: Delhi to New York and Delhi to Newark.

The service on the Delhi-New York route will commence on November 1, 2024, while the Delhi-Newark route will see its inaugural flight on January 2, 2025.

The introduction of the air india a350 will bring significant enhancements to Air India’s offerings, particularly with the launch of its Premium Economy class. air india retrofit This new class will feature 24 wide seats arranged in a 2-4-2 configuration, providing passengers with extra legroom and a more comfortable flying experience.

Soon, Air India aircraft will feature onboard WiFi & all-new cabins: Click here

“We are encouraged by the positive guest feedback we have received from the domestic deployment of our air india a350 interior to offer our hero product on the Delhi-New York JFK and Delhi-Newark routes. This is a significant leap forward for our U.S. operations that also underscores our commitment to continuous improvement,” said Campbell Wilson, Chief Executive Officer & Managing Director of Air India.

The A350’s Business class will set new standards with 28 private suites, each equipped with full-flat beds, direct aisle access, and personal wardrobes. Economy class will be configured to accommodate 264 passengers in a 3-4-3 layout. Across all cabins, passengers will enjoy the latest Panasonic eX3 in-flight entertainment system, offering over 2,200 hours of content.

Air India’s First A350-900: Interior, Routes, &Inflight Features: Click here

This strategic deployment marks a notable enhancement in Air India’s U.S. operations, with 60% of its flights to the U.S. now featuring new or upgraded cabin interiors. The air india new international routes currently operates 51 weekly flights to five U.S. destinations: New York JFK, Newark, Washington DC, Chicago, and San Francisco.

The revamped cabins, advanced in-flight entertainment systems, and improved service standards represent air india wifi commitment to providing a superior travel experience. “We believe this enhanced offering will solidify Air India’s position as a leading carrier and attract travellers seeking a world-class flying experience between India and the United States,” the airline stated.

Seats on these flights are now available for booking on Air India’s website, mobile app, and through travel agents, ensuring that passengers can easily plan their journeys on these newly upgraded routes.