In-flight connectivity is no longer optional — it must be available, scalable, and technology-forward, Delta Air Lines managing director Glenn Latta and Hughes COO Paul Gaske said at SATELLITE 2024. Hughes and Delta announced an IFC agreement for more than 400 Boeing 717 and regional jets in November 2023.
Latta said Delta analyzes three dimensions: the passenger experience, the engineering challenge of pointing antennas at satellites from a plane moving 500 mph, and predictive capacity planning using a model built with partners. New streaming partnerships with services like Paramount Plus add bandwidth demand the airline must anticipate in advance.
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Gaske noted broadband demand on aircraft has grown from kilobits to many megabits: “The big driver more recently is video. Thinking generationally, younger people tend to want to be more connected.”
Delta’s regional aircraft currently use air-to-ground systems with very limited bandwidth. The new Hughes deal will bring the regional jet experience in line with mainline aircraft. Latta said Delta ultimately wants to seamlessly integrate in-flight entertainment with connectivity platforms for a personalized experience: “The desire for internet and capacity is virtually insatiable over time.” VS
