Eutelsat is partnering with Gogo and Immfly to introduce a new in-flight connectivity (IFC) solution aimed at narrowbody aircraft and regional jets that currently lack onboard internet access.
The companies announced the offering on Jan. 22, saying commercial availability is planned for later this year. The service will be delivered by Immfly and will use low Earth orbit connectivity from OneWeb, which is operated by Eutelsat.
The solution combines OneWeb’s LEO satellite capacity with Gogo’s next-generation Plane Simple electronically steered antenna (ESA) and Immfly’s Equilux Aero onboard server. The partners said the system is designed to bring high-speed connectivity to short- and medium-haul fleets, a segment that has historically lagged widebody aircraft in IFC adoption.
Immfly said the system can be installed within 24 to 30 hours, reducing aircraft downtime and making it attractive for operators of narrowbody fleets and regional aircraft. The company has begun accepting requests from airlines interested in pilot programs.
“Narrowbody aircraft remain disconnected, and we’re bringing them into the digital era through Eutelsat’s OneWeb high-speed LEO connectivity services and Gogo ESA hardware,” said Jimmy von Korff, co-founder and executive chairman of Immfly. “This enables ancillary revenue growth, streamlines operations, and provides passengers with connectivity on par with their ground experiences.”
Eutelsat has been expanding the role of OneWeb’s LEO constellation in mobility markets, including aviation and maritime, as demand grows for lower-latency satellite connectivity. The partnership reflects a broader industry push to extend reliable internet access beyond long-haul aircraft to the much larger global fleet of narrowbody and regional jets.
Airlines operating short-haul routes have increasingly cited passenger expectations for always-on connectivity as well as operational benefits, such as real-time data exchange and digital services, as key drivers for adopting IFC solutions.
