Boeing announced on May 18 that it is providing specifications to allow airlines to retrofit their twinjets with next-generation inflight connectivity (IFC) systems, as non-geostationary satellite services continue to impact the sector. The company also confirmed it is in discussions to expand its linefit buyer furnished equipment catalog to address evolving IFC needs for airline customers.
Steve Jaffe, Boeing marketing director, said, “We’re currently supporting the Starlink antenna and the Stellar Blu antenna” with the Boeing Aerodynamic Shroud—a new fairing designed for electronically steered phased array antennas—while at this year’s Aircraft Interiors Expo in Hamburg. The Shroud enables up to two electronically steerable antennas (ESAs) to be integrated into Boeing commercial aircraft, initially through retrofits and eventually through linefit options.
The first use of the Aerodynamic Shroud was seen earlier this year on Qatar Airways’ Boeing 787s, followed by installations on ZIPAIR and British Airways 787s. Jaffe said airlines can select their own maintenance repair organization for modifications or use Boeing’s facilities in Victorville or Shanghai. Regarding factory installation timelines, Jaffe stated that “we’ll be rolling out in sequence as they’re developed.”
A recent agreement between Boeing and SES allows airlines to receive new aircraft with SES’s in-cabin network hardware installed; external equipment can then be fitted either post-delivery or by Boeing before transfer of title starting from 2028. Rob Baird, SES director of program management, explained that “the airline can buy a complete solution from Boeing,” but has flexibility regarding who completes outside equipment installation. He added: “At the end of the day, the airline flies home with a fully connected aircraft either way.”
Japan Airlines has chosen SES’s multi-orbit IFC solution for new deliveries and retrofits across its fleet. Gilat Satellite Networks expects ESA deliveries for Boeing’s linefit program later this year. While traditional gimbaled antenna hardware remains supported by Boeing, Jaffe said: “The industry has spoken in that there’s a tremendous amount of excitement toward the ESA and that does represent the future.”
Looking ahead, as Low Earth Orbit and Medium Earth Orbit satellite constellations become more common, Jaffe said discussions are ongoing with suppliers so that additional antennas may be accommodated on future aircraft models.
