Original article ISPreview UK:Read More
Global technology firm Immfly, inflight WiFi provider GoGo and European satellite operator Eutelsat (OneWeb) have teamed up in an effort to create an integrated ecosystem of entertainment, retail, and connectivity that aims to make it possible for even low-cost and ultra-low-cost aircraft (narrowbody fleets) to deploy onboard broadband for passengers.
As the somewhat comical spat between the bosses of budget airline Ryanair and satellite broadband provider Starlink showed this week, putting in-flight WiFi on smaller aircraft – those typically used for shorter haul trips (e.g. London to Paris, Barcelona, Rome etc.) – is a difficult proposition.
Leaving aside the extra cost of the system itself, issues can also arise with the antenna causing increased drag on the aircraft (i.e. higher fuel consumption / costs) and there’s a debate over whether those paying smaller sums for a short trip (e.g. some Ryanair flights can cost less than £20) would even be willing to pay extra for a premium WiFi pass.
However, Immfly, GoGo and Eutelsat (OneWeb) believe their new system, which uses a low-profile electronically steered antenna (pictured) to connect with OneWeb’s global network of 654 small broadband satellites in Low Earth Orbit (LEO), might just provide the answer. The system also includes WiFi distribution and an app / software solution for onboard service delivery.
Jimmy M. von Korff, Executive Chairman and co-founder of Immfly, said:
“This initiative marks a turning point for the LCC/ULCC industry. Narrowbody aircraft remain disconnected, and we’re bringing them into the digital era through Eutelsat’s OneWeb high-speed LEO connectivity services and Gogo ESA hardware – enabling ancillary revenue growth, streamlining operations, and providing passengers with connectivity on par with their ground experiences.”
The new system can apparently be fully installed on such aircraft in the space of just 24-30 hours, although it’s unclear how it compares with rivals in terms of overall cost, performance and drag. But we do know that OneWeb’s service generally can’t deliver the same sort of broadband performance as Starlink, although it should still be enough for a much smoother onboard WiFi solution than legacy satellite services.
Launch is planned for 2026, and Immfly is currently accepting requests for pilot programs. But in order to really make progress, they’ll also need to secure Boeing’s line-fit certification, with work already underway to integrate its hardware into the production lines of the “market’s most popular aircraft models” by the end of 2027.
OneWeb also plans to launch a further 440 satellites in the near future, which will replace some GEN1 satellites and also boost performance at the same time via enhanced capabilities (here).