SkyFive AG, an inflight connectivity (IFC) technologies company, is partnering with Lufthansa Technik with the goal of scaling-up its delivery capabilities for Air-to-Ground (A2G) inflight broadband services to commercial airlines.
A recently signed framework contract between the companies will see Lufthansa Technik employ its design and production organisation to design, certify and manufacture installation kits for SkyFive IFC systems. The kits are designed to give SkyFive’s airline customers a quick and easy option to upgrade their narrowbody fleets with fast A2G onboard connectivity.
According to figures published by Valour Consultancy, a research and analysis firm, 74% of today’s single-aisle aircraft are not fitted with broadband connectivity systems. A2G technology offers a relatively easy and cost-efficient way for airlines to offer inflight broadband.
ATG connects an aircraft and its passengers via ground stations of dedicated 4G and 5G mobile networks, which requires a comparatively small installation form factor, with the lower-fuselage-mounted antenna only measuring about the size of a human hand. According to SkyFive, which was established as a spin-off from Nokia in 2019, the number of aircraft committed to such A2G technology has doubled over the last 24 months.
SkyFive is keen to benefit from the growing demand for A2G installations, but to meet this demand the company requires scalable and industrialised delivery capabilities. This is why SkyFive has opted to partner with Lufthansa Technik, which will lead the installation, design and manufacturing of installation kits that can significantly speed-up the roll-out of the technology onto SkyFive’s customer fleets.
Lufthansa Technik’s presence at major aviation hubs around the world aligns well with SkyFive’s target markets for A2G. Lufthansa Technik already holds a Supplemental Type Certificate (STC) for A2G setups and has extensive experience with satellite-based connectivity installations.
“SkyFive is thrilled to cooperate with such a strong industry player on our journey of taking A2G global,” said Alois Sanktjohanser, VP of sales and partner management at SkyFive. “This new partnership significantly scales up our delivery capability towards airlines.”
“Efficient inflight connectivity is among the top desires of airline passengers nowadays. Hence, the necessity for reliable and fast, but also easy-to-install connectivity solutions is growing steadily,” added Andrew Muirhead, VP of OEM and engineering services at Lufthansa Technik.
“We are thus happy to support SkyFive to meet the soaring demand. With our renowned expertise in Supplemental Type Certification for connectivity installations, we are able to provide our valued partner a fast time-to-market. With proven solutions for both satellite and A2G connectivity, we can bring almost any commercial aircraft cabin online now,” added Muirhead.
