A race and competition to provide Internet on board planes
This article was automatically translated from HIBAPRESS, the Arabic version:
This article was automatically translated from HIBAPRESS, the Arabic version:
Heba Press – and MA
Major technology companies such as SpaceX and Amazon have entered into a strong competition to provide satellite internet service on board aircraft, in what is considered one of the most important technological innovations that has led to major changes in the aeronautical industry in recent years.
In this context, IAG, owner of British Airways, is in talks with Starlink, a company affiliated with billionaire Elon Musk, with the aim of equipping its fleet of aircraft with satellite Internet services.
The head of IAG’s innovation department, Annalisa Gigante, said in an interview with the “Bloomberg” website that the group, which also owns the Spanish airline “Iberia” and the Irish “Aer Lingus”, n hasn’t made a decision yet, as it’s working on… Evaluating available options, which include Amazon.com’s Kuiper startup project.
Gigante explained: “We are working intensively with Starlink and the Kuiper project, and we have exciting projects coming up, but they have been postponed until next year,” emphasizing that these discussions indicate major expected changes in the services market aeronautics, driven by the launch of networks of satellites in near-Earth orbit.
She added: “There is great momentum for announcements on these technologies, but I prefer that we ensure our ability to implement them before announcing them. »
She pointed out that American airlines can easily use “Starlink” because they have obtained an accreditation certificate from the Federal Aviation Administration, while European airlines need additional procedures to approve the service, emphasizing that British Airways will have need a separate accreditation certificate from “Iberia”. »
Airlines are looking to strike deals with Starlink and other providers to replace the limited and expensive Internet services on board their planes, as the expanded bandwidth of these satellites now provides a navigation experience that matches airline expectations. consumers on the ground, reflecting the growing progress made by SpaceX’s satellite Internet business in the global aviation sector.
