SkyFive, a provider of smart inflight connectivity solutions, has partnered with Lufthansa Technik to scale the delivery of cost-effective Air-to-Ground (A2G) broadband services for commercial airlines worldwide. This collaboration, established through a new framework agreement, leverages Lufthansa Technik's expertise in design and production to create, certify and manufacture installation kits that simplify fleet upgrades with A2G technology.
According to industry data from Valour Consultancy, 74% of narrow-body aircraft globally still lack broadband connectivity. A2G technology offers an efficient and cost-effective solution to address this gap. The system connects aircraft to dedicated mobile ground networks via a compact antenna, roughly the size of a human hand, mounted on the lower fuselage. Demand for A2G installations has surged, with the number of committed aircraft doubling over the past two years.
To meet the growing demand, SkyFive has partnered with Lufthansa Technik for its robust design capabilities and global MRO (maintenance, repair, and overhaul) network. Lufthansa Technik, which already holds a supplemental type certificate (STC) for A2G systems, will oversee the production of installation kits, enabling rapid deployment across SkyFive's target airline markets. Additionally, Lufthansa Technik's prior experience with satellite-based connectivity installations positions it as a strong partner for scaling A2G technology adoption.
This partnership not only aligns with the increasing demand for A2G solutions but also underlines the industry's commitment to enhancing passenger connectivity and operational efficiency in single-aisle aircraft fleets worldwide.
