Inmarsat and Hughes Network Systems confirmed that they have been secretly collaborating on a new satellite connectivity solution that will allow commercial airlines to offer free, in-flight Wi-Fi. The service, GX+ North America, will be ready for rollout on prototype flights later this year, according to the October 20 announcement. Hughes and Inmarsat describe the…

Virginia-based satellite operator Iridium Communications is raising its full-year 2020 guidance after turning in a better-than-expected Third Quarter (Q3) result for investors. Despite facing headwinds from a pandemic-fueled recession, Iridium reported $151.5 million in Q3 revenue, an increase of 5% compared to the same period in 2019, and an increase of 67,000 billable subscribers –…

In early September, Intelsat made the move to acquire Gogo’s Commercial Aviation business for $400 million. Despite the aviation industry’s struggles during the COVID-19 pandemic, and Intelsat’s ongoing Chapter 11 restructuring, the operator’s creditors approved the deal, which will create another vertically integrated player in the In-Flight Connectivity (IFC) market. Analysts also applauded the capacity…

SES revealed Tuesday that Mercy Ships will be using SES Networks' connectivity solutions to provide better healthcare services. Mercy Ships is a humanitarian mission delivering healthcare and medical training in some of the world’s economically deprived regions. The Global Mercy, the newest and the world’s largest civilian hospital ship, will leverage SES Networks’ Signature Maritime…