Charles Alcock is managing editor of the AIN Media Group, having rejoined the company in 2019. He has been an aviation journalist since 1986, and previously worked for AIN from 1990 to 2017, most recently as editor-in-chief. His main focus is on covering new aviation technology and business models, as well as international news.
Having been raised in the London area, Alcock studied at the University of Manchester in the UK and earned an honors degree in Politics and Modern History. He speaks English and French, and some German.

Managing Editor

Charles Alcock

Inmarsat is introducing new service plans for its Jet ConneX inflight broadband, guaranteeing customers connection speeds of up to 100 Mbps. The latest options will be available to new and existing customers through the company’s JX Evolution program via Honeywell’s JetWave terminal or the next-generation terminals set to be launched later this year by that company, as well as by Satcom Direct and Orbit.
The new levels of connectivity mark a significant advance on the maximum rates of 20 Mbps offered by Jet ConneX&nbsp;Pro a few years ago. The exact connection rate will vary according to the specific package customers commit to with any of Inmarsat's distributors, which also include Collins Aerospace.
According to Inmarsat’s head of business aviation Kai Tang, the lighter-weight&nbsp;broadband terminals will tap technology&nbsp;that will expand their use to additional&nbsp;business jet types, including super-midsize&nbsp;jets. He said the equipment also will be easier and less costly to install and maintain.
By 2025, Inmarsat&nbsp;(Booth I82) expects to increase its Ka-band network to 12 satellites with the addition of seven&nbsp;more payloads. Tang said the investment will boost the company’s commitment to providing Jet ConneX with a guaranteed connection rate that will be consistently available on more than 1,400 aircraft already fitted with the system.
Meanwhile, Collins last week became a global distribution partner for Inmarsat’s new SwiftJet in-flight connectivity service for business aircraft. The L-band-based service is due to enter commercial service this year, offering maximum speeds of 2.6 Mbps.&nbsp;Inmarsat noted the new service is up to six times faster than its SwiftBroadband service.
SwiftJet uses Inmarsat’s Elera satellite network and can support assured global connections in flight, according to the company. Its bandwidth is sufficient to support video calls, web browsing, email, texting, and cloud-syncing, as well as collaborative tools such as Microsoft Teams.
In a new survey of business aircraft operators conducted by Inmarsat and Corporate Jet Investor, 82 percent said that in-flight connectivity is now a key passenger expectation, regardless of the size of the jet. Respondents said that consistent rates of connectivity are the most important consideration, followed by service availability on all routes and then connection speeds.

News and developments about everything that goes into the cabin of an aircraft, from floor coverings to headliners, with a special emphasis on in-flight entertainment, communications and other electronics for passengers. If it is in the cabin of an aircraft, it’s covered here.

Inmarsat Boosts Jet ConneX Speeds and Service Plans

The inflight connectivity provider is adding more satellites to support the availability of faster guaranteed bandwidth in business aircraft cabins.

2024 Corporate Aviation Leadership Summit

Matt Thurber

News and issues relating to business, corporate and private aviation, primarily regarding turbine-engine-powered airplanes and helicopters. Subjects include aircraft, engines, maintenance, operations, personnel, acquisitions, accidents, safety, security, and training.

Flight-tracking service is available for display on passengers' devices

FlightPath3D and Gogo Extend Bizav Partnership

News and issues relating to the aerospace industry that are related to the science, engineering and business of flight in space involving civil, industrial and military applications, and similar topics related to flight in the atmosphere of the Earth that are not covered more directly by other AINonline subject channels. In other words, both astronautical and aeronautical subjects, except for those aeronautical topics that are specifically covered elsewhere on this website.

The German company is taking a new approach to aerospace display technology.

Zeiss Microoptics Brings New Display Tech to Aircraft Cabin, Cockpit

New developments and products in avionics, specifically about aircraft electronics in the cockpit.

ProSight technology is being demonstrated at the Farnborough Airshow

Zeiss Debuts New Approach to Cockpit and Cabin Displays 

Expands company’s offerings for high-speed, global connectivity

Pro Star Delivers G280 Gogo Galileo Satcom Installation

New service plans distinguish between a single area and global coverage

Starlink Doubles Aviation Prices, Adds Region Boundaries

Amy Wilder

News and issues about aviation maintenance, repair and overhaul (MRO), covering all segments of the aviation industry; and modifications for aircraft and engines. Subjects include product support of aircraft, engines and avionics, MRO company mergers, acquisitions, announcements and personnel, Airworthiness Directives, Supplemental Type Certificate approvals and other topics.

EBACE Convention News 2023

More In Cabin Interior and Electronics

FlightPath3D and Gogo Extend Bizav Partnership

Flight-tracking service is available for display on passengers' devices

Zeiss Microoptics Brings New Display Tech to Aircraft Cabin, Cockpit

The German company is taking a new approach to aerospace display technology.

Zeiss Debuts New Approach to Cockpit and Cabin Displays

ProSight technology is being demonstrated at the Farnborough Airshow

Pro Star Delivers G280 Gogo Galileo Satcom Installation

Expands company’s offerings for high-speed, global connectivity

Starlink Doubles Aviation Prices, Adds Region Boundaries

New service plans distinguish between a single area and global coverage

Jet Access Maintenance Earns Starlink Dealer Status

Services span three locations in Indianapolis, Nashville, and West Palm Beach

Gogo Galileo Now Available for Gulfstream G650/G650ER

HDX antenna installed under the tail-mounted radome

Gogo Galileo Satcom Now Factory Option on Pilatus PC-24

System is FAA- and EASA-certified

AIN Products

SUBSCRIPTIONS

RESOURCES

ABOUT AIN