Future travel Experience

Aeromexico has announced the installation of advanced inflight connectivity from Viasat on its Embraer E190 fleet. Viasat will integrate high-speed satellite connectivity via its global Ka-band network. Aeromexico has announced the installation of advanced inflight connectivity from Viasat on its Embraer E190 fleet. Viasat – an exhibitor at APEX/IFSA Global EXPO , which is co-located with FTE Global , the “CES of Aviation” in Long Beach, California, on 9 to 11 September 2025 – will integrate high-speed satellite connectivity via its global Ka-band network. This will allow Aeromexico passengers on these aircraft to stream movies and television, watch live sports, access the internet, send emails, and connect to their social networks while onboard. “We are upgrading our Aeromexico Connect E190 fleet to deliver exceptional inflight experiences on our short-haul routes,” said Andres Castañeda, Chief Digital and Customer Experience Officer & EVP, Aeromexico. “With Wi-Fi available on all...

Riyadh Air has selected Viasat to provide full, fast, free inflight connectivity on its Boeing 787 aircraft, as part of a commitment to “redefining the guest experience through innovation and technology”. Riyadh Air, Saudi Arabia’s new digitally-native airline, has selected Viasat to provide full, fast, free inflight connectivity for all Riyadh Air loyalty members on initial Boeing 787 Dreamliner factory-installed deliveries. Powered by Viasat’s most advanced, multi-orbit ready satellite network, Riyadh Air loyalty members will enjoy seamless, free onboard streaming, social scrolling, web browsing, and gaming onboard, available from gate to gate (where permitted). Travellers who are not loyalty members will have the option to sign-up onboard the aircraft with a short sign-up process and get online instantly. The service includes access to streaming subscriptions on customers’ own personal devices. Furthermore, Viasat’s network will enable Live TV on seatback screens. The fully integrat...

United has installed Starlink on its first regional aircraft, with plans to outfit its entire regional fleet by the end of the year. United says Starlink will “unlock an incredible onboard experience for customers”. United Airlines – a Corporate Partner of the FTE Digital, Innovation & Startup Hub – has installed Starlink on its first regional aircraft. It has also unveiled details of the process to underscore the technical operations benefits associated with the equipment, including size and weight, as well as the ease of install and maintenance. The airline expects to outfit 40+ regional aircraft each month beginning in May through the end of 2025 – average Starlink install time is about 8 hours, excluding any de-installation of existing equipment, testing or aircraft modification, approximately 10 times faster than installing non-Starlink equipment. Earlier this year, the airline said it plans to outfit its entire two-cabin regional fleet by the end of the year. Ultimately, Uni...

airBaltic has become the first European airline to introduce SpaceX’s Starlink high-speed internet for free onboard its Airbus A220-300 fleet, marking a new era of seamless inflight connectivity for passengers. airBaltic has become the first European airline to introduce SpaceX’s Starlink high-speed internet for free onboard its Airbus A220-300 fleet. With certification granted by the European Union Aviation Safety Agency (EASA), this marks a new era of seamless inflight connectivity for passengers across the airline’s network. “This is a historic milestone for airBaltic and a game-changer for European air travel,” said Martin Gauss, President and CEO, airBaltic. “By becoming the first European airline to integrate SpaceX’s Starlink, we are redefining what connectivity in the skies means. This is not just an improvement, it is a revolution in air travel, and we are proud to be at the forefront, delivering the future of connectivity to our passengers already today.” airBaltic has commen...

Aeromexico is expanding its longstanding relationship with Viasat. The airline will retrofit its Boeing 787 Dreamliner fleet with Viasat’s most advanced inflight Wi-Fi solution for upgraded connectivity and CX. Aeromexico is expanding its longstanding relationship with Viasat. The airline will retrofit its Boeing 787 Dreamliner fleet with Viasat’s most advanced inflight Wi-Fi solution. The fleet comprises 17 aircraft, including eight B787-8s and nine B787-9s. The 787-8s will be equipped first, with installation for the 787-9s quickly following. The first of these new Viasat-equipped aircraft is set to enter service later in 2025. Aeromexico’s decision to upgrade the Dreamliner inflight Wi-Fi with Viasat’s connectivity system highlights its ongoing commitment to providing passengers and crew with an exceptional onboard experience, including streaming video, browsing, and real-time messaging throughout the flight. Additionally, Aeromexico is using the Viasat Ads platform to offer its pas...

Lufthansa is introducing unlimited free messaging on its long-haul flights from this summer, as it further enhances the customer experience with “a portfolio of digital services that is very attractive”. Lufthansa is introducing unlimited free messaging on its intercontinental flights from this summer. Travellers will be able to send and receive any number of messages, including photos, during the flight on their own smartphone or tablet, regardless of their travel class. “The introduction of free messaging on long-haul flights is another important step in continuously improving our customers’ overall travel experience,” said Dieter Vranckx, Chief Commercial Officer, Lufthansa Group. “We will continue to focus our efforts on services that are highly relevant to our customers.” Heiko Reitz, Chief Customer Officer, Lufthansa Airlines, added: “What is already a great success on short and medium-haul flights will also be very popular with our guests on long-haul flights. Being reachable ev...

United Airlines – a Corporate Partner of the FTE Digital, Innovation & Startup Hub – has announced an accelerated timeline for the introduction of Starlink connectivity for “game-changing IFE experiences”. United Airlines – a Corporate Partner of the FTE Digital, Innovation & Startup Hub – has announced an accelerated timeline for the introduction of Starlink inflight connectivity. The airline now expects to begin testing Starlink in February 2025 with the first commercial flight anticipated to take off this spring on a United Embraer E-175 aircraft. United now plans to outfit its entire two-cabin regional fleet by the end of this year and have its first mainline Starlink-enabled plane in the air before the end of this year. Ultimately, United will add Starlink to its entire fleet. Access will be free for all MileagePlus customers and includes game-changing inflight entertainment experiences like streaming services, shopping, gaming and more. “We have a lot planned for our Mil...

Air India has introduced WiFi internet connectivity services onboard domestic and international flights operated with the Airbus A350, Boeing 787-9 and select Airbus A321neo aircraft for an enhanced CX. Air India has rolled out WiFi internet connectivity services onboard domestic and international flights operated with the Airbus A350, Boeing 787-9 and select Airbus A321neo aircraft. This makes Air India the first to offer inflight WiFi internet connectivity on flights within India, enabling travellers – flying for leisure or business – to stay connected to the internet during their flights, and to enjoy browsing, accessing social media, catching up on work, or texting friends and family. “Connectivity is now an integral part of modern travel,” said Rajesh Dogra, Chief Customer Experience Officer, Air India. “For some, it is about the convenience and comfort of real-time sharing, while for others, it is about greater productivity and efficiency. Whatever be one’s purpose, we are confid...

airBaltic has conducted a certification test flight of SpaceX’s Starlink high-speed internet aboard an Airbus A220-300. The airline expects to begin installing Starlink on its fleet in Q1 2025. airBaltic has conducted a certification test flight of SpaceX’s Starlink high-speed internet aboard an Airbus A220-300. The flight tested both the Starlink aero terminal and internet connection quality as airBaltic progresses towards obtaining the necessary certification from the European Union Aviation Safety Agency (EASA). “This is a game-changer in the future of air travel, and the test flight brings us one step closer to revolutionising the travel experience for our passengers,” said Martin Gauss, President and CEO, airBaltic. “We are thrilled to lead the way in Europe and be the first airline in this region to offer for free Starlink’s reliable, high-speed internet. By integrating Starlink, we are set to elevate the travel experience for passengers across the airBaltic network throughout Eu...