Inflight connectivity and entertainment
Top companies are redefining inflight connectivity and entertainment solutions for business aviation.
By Jake Carpenter
Contributing Writer
Today’s always-on, digitally-focused business passengers expect inflight connectivity (IFC) and inflight entertainment (IFE) experiences comparable to what they enjoy at home. This expectation has largely been met, and business travelers now have fast, uninterrupted access to an expansive world of entertainment, functionality, and personalized comfort.
For instance, with the ability to use their personal electronic devices (PEDs), travelers can control many aspects of the cabin environment and choose from large, continually updated catalogs of movies, TV shows, and music. This vast content is also presented on cutting-edge visual and audio systems.
In this article, we highlight 10 of the most innovative companies delivering state-of-the-art IFC and IFE systems for business aviation today – Viasat, Collins Aerospace, Honeywell, Astronics, Lufthansa Technik, Safran, Gogo Business Aviation, Thales, Panasonic Avionics, and Anuvu.
Viasat
Viasat plays a central role in the business aviation IFC sector. The company’s satellite network covers 90% of the world’s top business aviation flightpaths and serves more than 5000 aircraft. Viasat’s IFC products include the ViaSat-3 Global Satellite Constellation, Jet ConneX, Viasat Ka, SwiftJet, and SwiftBroadband (SBB).
The ViaSat-3 global satellite constellation is the next-generation ultra-high-capacity Ka-band satellite network, delivering over 100 Mbps download speeds and at least 1 terabit per second (Tbps) of throughput. The constellation consists of 3 satellites that cover distinct global regions – ViaSat-3 F1 (Americas), ViaSat-3 F2 (EMEA), and ViaSat-3 F3 (APAC).
Jet ConneX is a high-speed Ka-band solution powered by Viasat’s GX Ka-band satellites. It supports live TV, corporate VPNs, conference calls, and large file transfers, and offers fully redundant global Ka-band satellite coverage, ensuring consistent speeds that often exceed 30 Mbps.
Viasat Ka provides uncapped Internet with typical speeds exceeding 30 Mbps. Available as a line-fit option from major OEMs, it is certified for 22 different airframes. SwiftJet, Viasat’s resilient L-band service, offers global coverage with speeds up to 2.6 Mbps – 6 times faster than SBB.
Viasat’s unified media solutions provide passengers with an at-home entertainment experience in the air. Viasat Unlimited Streaming enables business aviation passengers to watch live TV, sports, and news while streaming movies or other media seamlessly through their Ka-band connectivity. The system also transitions automatically between satellite coverage areas to ensure continuous IFE.
Collins Aerospace
Collins Aerospace’s Venue system represents a milestone in advanced IFE and cabin control solutions. Venue offers ultra-high-definition 4K smart monitors, state-of-the-art touch-control switch technology, and wireless passenger control options, allowing travelers to manage lighting, window shades, cabin temperature, and entertainment.
The system adapts to both VIP and standard cabin configurations, providing an intuitive user interface that rivals the comfort and sophistication of home entertainment.
Venue offers robust entertainment solutions, such as Stage on Demand, which provides 700-plus Hollywood movies and TV shows, updated continually and available in HD or 4K formats. Passengers can also enjoy content in multiple languages.
This is complemented by Collins’ Tailwind 500 Satellite TV system, offering direct broadcast satellite television with more than 1000 channels. Airshow Moving Maps take passengers on a virtual journey with 3D graphics and detailed geographical imagery, even simulating a pilot’s head-up display (HUD). The Venue CabinCommand app lets passengers control IFE and cabin systems directly from their PEDs.
Astronics
Astronics’ Avenir IFE system offers native 4K video distribution, supported by the industry’s highest-bandwidth Ethernet network.
The system’s fully customizable interface allows passengers to manage every aspect of their cabin environment – lighting, temperature, humidity, shades, seats, and beds – using their PEDs or in-cabin touchscreens.
In collaboration with LG, Astronics incorporates organic light-emitting diode (OLED) technology into its IFE system, delivering unmatched visual quality. The system offers high-definition and 4K Ultra HD monitors ranging from 7 to 75 in, along with video touchscreens from 10.4 to 21.5 in.
Avenir’s Audio/Video On-Demand (AVOD) provides access to an extensive catalog of full HD movies and TV shows. The SkyShow feature offers an interactive touchscreen 3D map experience with high-resolution views, a 3D Earth globe, and detailed points of interest. SkyPlay lets passengers stream AVOD content, music, books, magazines, and satellite TV. Avenir also supports integration with major video game consoles.
Avenir’s Smart Touch cabin app transforms PEDs into comprehensive remote controls, allowing users to adjust audio/video channels, control home theater modes, create mood lighting scenarios, and fine-tune the cabin environment. Additional features include a customizable interface, food and beverage menu integration, and even cabin fragrance selection.
Lufthansa Technik
Lufthansa Technik’s Nice system offers a state-of-the-art IFE experience. Passengers can enjoy a curated selection exceeding 300 movies and 300 TV shows, and an expansive audio program. The 2025 version of Nice includes over-the-air content updates.
Built on a robust Ethernet data distribution backbone, Nice provides exceptional system reliability. It supports large 4K monitors for a high-definition viewing experience and introduces the first true Hi-Fi audio system designed specifically for IFE. This audio solution delivers an ultra-flat frequency response comparable to premium consumer-grade systems, incorporating virtual surround sound technology.
The Niceview mobile app integrates with PEDs on iOS and Android platforms. Passengers can control entertainment content, order food and beverages, adjust lighting and temperature settings, and communicate with the flight crew. The app also supports voice control technology.
Honeywell
Honeywell Aerospace offers an extensive portfolio of business aviation IFC and IFE solutions, including JetWave X, Aspire 400, HD-710 SwiftJet, and the Ovation Select cabin management system (CMS).
JetWave X leverages Viasat’s Ka-band network to provide exceptional coverage and ultra-fast data speeds, with typical speeds exceeding 30 Mbps and peak speeds reaching 100 Mbps. JetWave X enables seamless network transitions across 3 separate networks, and its open-architecture design ensures long-term adaptability.
Aspire 400 is a high-speed voice and data solution operating over the Iridium Certus and Inmarsat ELERA networks.
The system supports single- or dual-channel SBB connectivity. HD-710 SwiftJet, Honeywell’s latest L-band connectivity service, offers speeds of up to 2.6 Mbps.
Ovation Select is Honeywell’s advanced CMS, featuring 1080p HD video and crystal-clear surround sound, transforming each seat into a personal “theater in the sky.” Passengers can access movies, gaming, and music in high definition, integrating seamlessly with PEDs.
They can also stream satellite TV, access Hollywood and international films through the video-on-demand solution, and connect to Honeywell’s JetWave Ka-band high-speed Internet.
The Ovation Select Touchscreen (OST) acts as the master controller for cabin and galley functions, with an 8.9-in or 10.1-in touchscreen interface. The PCU-300 allows passengers to control audio, video, lighting, window shades, and cabin temperature.
The cabin monitor provides full HD images from any onboard source, and the Ovation Select surround sound system ensures ultra-Hi-Fi audio.
Safran
Safran Passenger Innovations (SPI) presents RAVE, an award-winning IFE and connectivity system that offers a cutting-edge entertainment experience while maintaining a lightweight industrial design. RAVE connectivity, featuring advanced satellite terminals and wireless access points, ensures fast global inflight Wi-Fi.
SPI’s modular RAVE digital services allow airlines to customize offerings such as connected content services, live TV, targeted advertising, and analytics. RAVE Cloud Services introduce distribution services and edge cloud computing, with Amazon Web Services (AWS) integration to enhance cloud capabilities.
RAVE also offers the RAVE OS Accessible Mode, designed for passengers with vision, auditory, motor, and cognitive disabilities. “We worked with our customers’ accessibility teams to understand better how passengers with disabilities need to use IFE,” says SPI Director of Software Products Eduardo Duran.
The system includes a configuration wizard for personalization, a simplified user interface, a screen reader, and intuitive navigation with high-contrast visuals and large buttons.
RAVE also supports extended reality (XR) functionality for a more fully immersive cinematic IFE experience.
Gogo
Vision 360 from Gogo Business Aviation is an advanced IFE solution designed to satisfy passengers with its on-demand, home theater-like experience. Fully integrated into every Gogo AVANCE system, Vision 360 supports viewing on personal devices, including laptops, tablets, smartphones, and cabin monitors.
It features a diverse library of more than 100 movies and TV show episodes, which is updated continually. In addition, the service includes an e-magazine library with popular publications and Bloomberg news for real-time updates on global events, markets, and sports.
The system also includes features such as an immersive 3D moving map and destination weather. The dynamic display provides a pilot’s view from the cockpit, interactive exploration of global points of interest, and detailed 3D Earth satellite imagery.
In December 2024, Gogo Business Aviation completed its acquisition of Satcom Direct, becoming a truly global, multi-orbit, multi-band IFC provider. This acquisition will enhance the comprehensiveness, coverage, and service of business aviation IFE in the near future.
Thales
AVANT Up is a major IFE innovation, featuring Optiq 4K HDR displays integrated with Samsung’s quantum dot light-emitting diode (QLED) proprietary technology.
Available in sizes ranging from 11–20 in, with larger screens for premium cabins, these displays offer exceptional picture picture quality and showcase more than one billion colors. Dual Bluetooth connections and built-in Wi-Fi allow passengers to pair multiple devices seamlessly. Live TV events further enhance the entertainment options.
The AVANT Up platform allows passengers to log in to seatback screens to access preferences, resume previous content, and receive tailored recommendations. Through partnerships with services like Yelp and Ticketmaster, passengers can also book services at their destination.
Thales Pulse is an advanced power management solution that supports USB-A, USB-C, and wireless charging, with up to 60W capacity. Pulse reallocates power dynamically to ensure optimal charging performance.
Anuvu
Anuvu offers business aircraft passengers a world-class selection of movies, TV shows, audio, and original content tailored to diverse audiences. The company emphasizes content diversity and personalization, working with global teams to provide culturally relevant programming.
Anuvu licenses 4000-plus movies annually and supports nearly 60 devices and systems in more than 20 languages. Its offerings include live Internet Protocol TV (IPTV) streaming channels, a large TV show library, and more than 16 million audio tracks.
Anuvu also provides wellness-focused programming through partnerships with companies like Mindvalley and WaterBear. The company has expanded its partnership with Disney to include Marvel content.
Anuvu’s Airtime portal allows passengers to order and pay for food and beverages directly from their PEDs.
Panasonic
The Astrova IFE system features 4K OLED displays ranging from 13–42 in. These screens provide cinema-grade visuals with extremely fine detail and vibrant colors. Astrova also features spatial audio with 360° sound and Bluetooth 5.1 connectivity for an immersive experience.
Astrova’s content portfolio includes movies, TV shows, live television, and subscription services
like Netflix and Disney+. The system also offers a broad catalog of games and access to digital magazines, newspapers, and books. The Arc moving map allows real-time, touch-enabled exploration of landscapes, cities, and landmarks.
Astrova’s onboard e-commerce and destination services enhance the travel experience further.
Conclusion
The IFC and IFE solutions offered by the companies listed above meet and even exceed the expectations of today’s business aircraft users. With features like e-commerce capabilities, real-time mapping, and tailored content, these innovations represent the growing sophistication of the business aviation sector, combining functionality and luxury to create an exceptional inflight experience.