INMARSAT AND ORBIT

• With record demand for premium business aviation connectivity, the compact tail-mount terminal is progressing towards type approval on Inmarsat’s Ka-band satellite network  

The business aviation market will have access to a new compact and lightweight terminal for Inmarsat’s market-leading Jet ConneX (JX) inflight broadband solution from early next year, after the company expanded its partnership with Orbit Communication Systems, a leading provider of airborne communication solutions. 

Orbit’s AirTRX30 terminal is progressing towards type approval on Inmarsat’s global Ka-band satellite network, which powers JX. The advanced system is compatible with a wide range of business jets, from super mid-size to large cabin platforms, and includes only two Line Replaceable Units (LRUs), consisting of a modem manager (MODMAN) and tail-mounted antenna. The simplified architecture is optimised for efficient installation and weight savings, which in turn also helps to reduce its environmental impact. 

The AirTRX30 builds on patented Orbit aperture designs that are already used by Inmarsat’s government customers and will also be compatible with upcoming Ka-band satellites that are being launched over the next few years as part of Inmarsat’s ground-breaking technology roadmap.  

Kai Tang, Inmarsat’s Head of Business Aviation, said: “Inmarsat has a successful track record of working with Orbit in the government market. We are delighted to build on this strong foundation and expand our partnership into business aviation. Inmarsat’s Jet ConneX is already established as the gold standard of inflight broadband in business aviation, with more than 1,100 customers across the world. With demand for aircraft and the premium connectivity that supports those operators at historical highs, Inmarsat is excited to expand our partner ecosystem for Jet ConneX with world-class manufacturers such as Orbit.” 

Tuomo Rutanen, VP Sales and Business Development, Orbit Communication Systems, said: “We are very pleased to strengthen our partnership with Inmarsat and provide its Jet ConneX customers with a future-proof solution that can be used throughout the life of their aircraft. The open architecture and interfaces of our AirTRx30 terminal allow easy integration, ensuring flexibility and adaptability to passenger needs, which we know is more important than ever. Inmarsat’s relentless focus on innovation is fully aligned with our own, and we look forward to working together in the business aviation market.” 

Orbit is currently working with OEMs, service providers and after-market partners to set-up distribution, certification, installation and customer support capabilities for the AirTRx30 globally. The company’s commitment to quality is driven by its ISO9001, AS9100, AS6500 and various other certifications as well as a long legacy in designing and delivering qualified and proven solutions for extreme aeronautical, military and climate conditions. The AirTRx30 will be manufactured at Orbit’s U.S. facility in Deerfield Beach, Florida and DO-160G qualified terminals will begin shipping in Q1 2023 or earlier. 

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AVOLON AND AIR GREENLAND  

• Air Greenland commits to purchasing or leasing from Avolon a fleet of Vertical Aerospace VX4 eVTOL aircraft
• Air Greenland is the first European airline to join Avolon’s eVTOL program, starting its decarbonization journey where it matters the most

 Avolon, the international aircraft leasing company, announces that it has partnered with Air Greenland, the flag-carrier for Greenland, to bring zero-emissions travel to the region and help tackle the issue of climate change.

Avolon and Air Greenland will partner to form a Working Group to assess the opportunity to commercialize zero-emissions air travel in the region. The Working Group will also collaborate to identify local infrastructure and certification requirements for eVTOL aircraft. As part of the agreement, Air Greenland will commit to purchasing or leasing a fleet of VX4 eVTOL aircraft, manufactured by Vertical Aerospace (‘Vertical’), from Avolon. Upon its introduction, the VX4 will be the most advanced and the safest eVTOL in the market and will be built to EASA safety certification standards – the most stringent global requirements and at the same level as commercial aircraft. The VX4 will be near silent when in flight and will have zero operating emissions, transporting four passengers and one pilot distances of over 100 miles at up to 200 miles per hour. The size of Air Greenland’s VX4 fleet will be defined at the conclusion of the Working Group’s assessment of the scale of the market opportunity.

Download the Avolon and Air Greenland partnership video here.

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KYMETA

Kymeta, a world leading company for flat panel antennas making mobile global, and OneWeb (www.oneweb.world), the low Earth orbit (LEO) satellite communications company, announced today a distribution partner agreement to offer broadband connectivity services across the globe.

The OneWeb LEO satellite network will give Kymeta customers access to high-speed, low-latency broadband connectivity while on the move or while stationary, anywhere in the world.

Kymeta offers the world’s only high-bandwidth, low power, fully integrated family of high throughput mobile terminals and has been widely adopted by military, government, enterprise, and maritime customers. The connectivity from OneWeb will complement Kymeta’s existing broadband geostationary orbit (GEO) and 4G cellular service offering.

Kymeta’s distribution agreement with OneWeb will enable the company to resell OneWeb services in conjunction with fixed and mobility hardware solutions to government and commercial customers globally.

“Whether connectivity is needed on land, at sea, or in the air, Kymeta continues to deliver through innovation and strong partner relationships,” said Walter Berger, President and Co-CEO, Kymeta. “Our distinctive technology can switch between linear and circular polarization in software, allowing support for both LEO and GEO Ku-band constellations without any physical changes to the hardware required. We look forward to working with OneWeb as the addition of capacity from their leading LEO satellite network will give customers, including the U.S. government and military, unprecedented access to connectivity in areas where existing networks don’t reach. Kymeta’s expansion into managed satellite services allows us to package our hardware solutions for connectivity as a service, a capability the US DoD and other end users are increasingly seeking.”

Commenting on OneWeb’s agreement, OneWeb CEO Neil Masterson added, “We believe that space is the future for communications on Earth. This agreement with Kymeta is another example of OneWeb’s dedication to enabling resilient and secure connectivity for all with fast, high-bandwidth, and low-latency communications services that enhance lives and can be accessed through revolutionary technology like Kymeta’s flat panel u8.”

The announcement comes just three months after the two companies partnered in a Joint Development Agreement (JDA) to develop and bring to market by the end of 2022 a new u8-based LEO terminal that supports communications on the move (COTM) and communication on the pause (COTP) for governments, businesses, and communities.

The new Kymeta service, supported by OneWeb’s network of satellites, will distribute standalone OneWeb LEO service on the u8 or package together broadband services to offer GEO/LEO while also enabling military users access to a multi-constellation platform while on the move for the first time. The collaboration between the two leading companies in their respective fields provides a unique and comprehensive solution that expands connectivity and applications across all verticals and meets the needs of customers around the world

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ONEWEB

• OneWeb, SpaceX sign agreement that will enable OneWeb to resume satellite launches

• First launch anticipated in 2022

  OneWeb, the LEO the low Earth orbit (LEO) satellite communications company, announced  that the company and SpaceX entered into an agreement that will enable OneWeb to resume satellite launches.

The first launch with SpaceX is anticipated in 2022 and will add to OneWeb’s total in-orbit constellation that currently stands at 428 satellites, or 66 percent of the fleet. OneWeb’s network will deliver high-speed, low-latency global connectivity.

OneWeb CEO Neil Masterson said: “We thank SpaceX for their support, which reflects our shared vision for the boundless potential of space. With these launch plans in place, we’re on track to finish building out our full fleet of satellites and deliver robust, fast, secure connectivity around the globe.”

Demand for OneWeb’s broadband connectivity services has continued to grow across telecommunications providers, aviation and maritime markets, and governments worldwide. OneWeb has activated service with its network at the 50th parallel and above, and early partners are initiating service.

Terms of the agreement with SpaceX are confidential.

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ANUVU

Anuvu, a provider of high-speed connectivity and entertainment solutions for demanding worldwide mobility markets, has obtained the exclusive worldwide inflight distribution rights for critically acclaimed British comedy “The Duke”.

The Neon Films production for Pathé, Ingenious and the BBC is directed by the late Roger Michell and written by Richard Bean and Clive Coleman, stars Academy Award winners Jim Broadbent and Helen Mirren. Since its release earlier this year, “The Duke” has garnered five-star ratings from esteemed critics at The Guardian, Daily Telegraph, Daily Mail and more. The film will be available for passenger viewing beginning in June 2022.

Anuvu’s decision to add “The Duke” to its growing media library comes on the heels of the inflight entertainment provider’s acquisition of the exclusive worldwide rights, outside Mainland China, to Hong Kong’s award-winning film “Zero to Hero” and China’s record-breaking box office hit “Hi, Mom”.

“At Anuvu, we are committed to providing diverse films that drive emotion and curiosity for a global audience”, said Estibaliz Asiain, SVP Media & Content. “‘The Duke’ is a heart-warming comedy that is sure to make passengers smile, something we could all use right now.”

“The Duke” is a funny and moving true story that celebrates a man who was determined to change the world and save his marriage. In 1961, Kempton Bunton, a 60-year-old taxi driver, stole Goya’s portrait of the Duke of Wellington from the National Gallery. It was the first and only theft in the Gallery’s history. Kempton sent ransom notes promising to return the painting if the government invested more in care for the elderly. What happened next is the stuff of legend.

“We are happy to be working with the great team at Anuvu again on our latest film,” said a Pathé spokesperson.

As Anuvu’s vast entertainment library continues to expand, carriers seeking to uplevel their passengers’ travel experience can contact Anuvu or their content service provider (CSP) to book this film. For more information contact entertain@anuvu.com.

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Carlisle Interconnect Technologies (CarlisleIT), introduces its new Octax^® LT 10 Gbps single-port Ethernet connector for commercial aviation applications at the AEA 2022 show in New Orleans. CarlisleIT will be presenting at the “New Product Introductions” session on March 28 at 8:30 a.m. in the New Orleans Theater. CarlisleIT will also be present throughout the show at booth number 225.

While previous Octax^® solutions are most often used for rugged-environment defense applications, the Octax^® LT 10 Gb single-port connector is newly designed for commercial aviation applications with a die-cast, electroless nickel-plated aluminum shell. It is optimized for use with all the CarlisleIT Gigabit Series cables and is field-terminable.

“With commercial aviation being one of our biggest focuses right now, we wanted to give our customers the option to use this reliable, cost-effective and easy-to-work-with solution for that application,” said Jordan Tarter, CarlisleIT business development manager for airframe & engine OEMs and aerospace systems. “We’re excited to be presenting our latest innovation in this session where all the best new products will be announced. We hope to garner some anticipation for what’s coming to the market this year and solidify our standing as an industry leader.”

Other features and benefits include:

• Altitude immersion up to 50,000 feet
• Durable latching system
• Toolless EMI banding system
• Standard M39029 crimp contacts
• Compatible for both 26 and 24 AWG

CarlisleIT’s vertical integration allows them to provide interconnect solutions encompassing every facet of design and production for a variety of product needs. In addition, their in-house certification team is able to generate the appropriate reports and documentation required to ensure compliance with FAA and aerospace industry airworthiness standards. CarlisleIT is more than a manufacturer of aerospace products; they are an end-to-end solutions provider of high-performance interconnect solutions.

To learn more about CarlisleIT’s line of Octax^® high-speed data connectors, visit this link.