Global Eagle Secures Linefit Approval for Wi-Fi on Boeing 737 MAX

August 17, 2017  | Written by Marisa Garcia

Share

APEX Insight: Linefit approval will make it easier and less expensive for Global Eagle’s customers to offer Wi-Fi on board.

Global Eagle is now offering its Airconnect 3.0 in-flight Wi-Fi system as a factory installation option for Boeing 737 MAX family aircraft. This is the first connectivity system added to the Boeing catalog for factory assembly installation of the next-generation aircraft type.

Offering in-flight Wi-Fi has generally required retrofitting aircraft with connectivity hardware, but by obtaining linefit approval and being added to OEM catalogs, Global Eagle’s system gains the competitive advantage of helping airlines dodge a prolonged process that requires multiple rounds of testing and engineering review.

“Being the first Wi-Fi connectivity solution to be linefit on the 737 MAX benefits airlines and passengers,” said Per Norén, Global Eagle’s senior vice-president of Aviation. “Not only does it provide substantial time- and cost-saving benefits to airlines, it also allows them to quickly offer passengers the most complete travel experience with the latest technology.”

“Being the first Wi-Fi connectivity solution to be linefit on the 737 MAX benefits airlines and passengers.” €” Per Norén, Global Eagle

Airconnect 3.0 system is an integrated broadband connectivity platform that offers airlines, advertisers and passengers a customizable portal. Global Eagle also offers a portfolio of content including television shows, films and print publications to complement online activities. The Airconnect portal, which currently flies on 865 airplanes worldwide, can be personalized and offers opportunities for data analytics, e-commerce, branded campaigns and integrated advertising.

Earlier this year, Global Eagle received vendor supplemental type certification from the Civil Aviation Administration of China to install Airconnect on Boeing 737NG aircraft in China. Plans to extend services further in China through a partnership with HNA Group suffered a setback this month when they failed to secure clearance by the Committee on Foreign Investment in the US.

Global Eagle says several Boeing 737 MAX customers are already scheduled to receive aircraft linefit with Airconnect 3.0 technology this fall. The company is also working with Boeing to offer linefit installation on other aircraft types.