AirFi celebrates closing deals for the installation of AirFi LEO on a total of 50 aircraft across multiple airlines within the first quarter of 2024

Amsterdam, The Netherlands – May 21, 2024: AirFi is thrilled to announce that its groundbreaking, minimally invasive AirFi LEO low-Earth orbit in-flight connectivity was contracted to be installed on 50 aircraft during the first quarter of 2024, marking the first of many exciting milestones as its presence continues to grow across the commercial aviation industry.  

The solution is being trialled by Hanoi-based low-cost carrier VietJet in Asia as part of a deal announced at the 2024 Singapore Air Show, and is now being deployed by other undisclosed customers across a range of aircraft types including Airbus, Boeing, ATR and Embraer models, with more details to be announced in due course.  

Since winning the Crystal Cabin Award for “IFEC and Digital Services” at the 2023 Crystal Cabin Awards, the buzz around AirFi LEO has been gathering momentum.  

“We are both encouraged and humbled by the interest the market has shown in AirFi LEO,” said Job Heimerikx, CEO at AirFi. “Our proposition with LEO, that clients can achieve 90% of the benefits of a full-scale in-flight connectivity service for 10% of the cost, has clearly struck a chord with airlines across the globe – and not just those in the low-cost sector.” 

Operating on the Iridium Certus network, AirFi LEO uses a unique, patented window-mounted antenna to provide extremely low latency global coverage. With no no requirement for drilling into the fuselage, the LEO solution can be installed overnight, meaning no additional aircraft on ground time needed, and with zero extra drag added to the aircraft.  

With AirFi LEO, airlines can offer passengers access to free or paid-for social messaging, allowing them to keep in contact with loved ones on the ground during their journey. Crew can also utilise the messaging to stay in contact with the ground for operational and customer service improvements. 

Furthermore, being online allows payment verification to be completed in real-time, thereby prevent in-flight fraud, which currently accounts for a loss of between 2-10% of all in-flight sales. Eliminating fraud at source also presents the opportunity for airlines to lift the spending cap on duty-free items, opening new and exciting in-flight retail opportunities and improving customer experience.  

“The business case for AirFi LEO is truly compelling and return on investment is near instantaneous thanks to the prevention of revenue loss that can be achieved through online payment processing” Heimerikx continued. “We have always believed that the industry needs a smart alternative to costly broadband IFC installations. The increasing rate of installations we’re seeing for AirFi LEO serves as proof that we are providing just the right solution. 

About AirFi 

With offices worldwide, AirFi is a travel technology company that helps airlines deliver digital entertainment, shopping, and brand experiences to passengers, unlock operational benefits for crew and drive ancillary revenues from onboard sales. AirFi’s state-of-the-art portable wireless streaming solutions are safe, proven, cost-effective, and easy to deploy. More than 80 airline and rail operators trust AirFi and its portfolio of commercial, fulfilment and content partners to provide enriching passenger experiences while supporting ancillary revenue strategies in the cabin. 

www.airfi.aero