In-flight technology provider Anuvu has hit a big goal in its Southwest Airlines connectivity upgrade, with 100 aircraft now upgraded.
Southwest Boeing 737-700 arriving at O’Hare – Image, Economy Class and Beyond
This is part of the modernisation programme between Southwest Airlines and Anunvu across 350 of its 737NG aircraft. This partnership will offer Southwest customers and crew up to 10-times the speed and bandwidth of the current equipment.
Southwest is trialling the new Anuvu service on certain West Coast flights at no charge through June 10. With Anuvu’s upgraded offering, Southwest passengers will be able to enjoy higher-bandwidth media sites such as HBO Max and Netflix.
The full 350-aircraft fleet is planned to be fitted by the end of 2022.
The upgraded hardware, coined Dedicated Space, employs software intelligence to make the most efficient use of available bandwidth in real-world conditions, giving passengers a more reliable and stable internet experience.
What’s upgraded
The installation included the development, integration, certification, and production delivery of four new components for the aircraft connectivity system: Modem Data Unit, 40W High Power Transceiver, 50W High Power Transceiver and Wi-Fi 6 Access Point.
Anuvu completed the first full modernisation of Southwest’s 737NG aircraft on April 1, 2022, less than a year after the program launched, with it now surpassing the 100 mark.
In Quotes
Mike Pigott, Anuvu’s EVP of Connectivity said
“Anuvu’s modernization program is an important next step in our long relationship with Southwest Airlines and exemplifies the work our team is doing to propel the industry into the future,”
“We are excited to complete this installation as we continue to revolutionize aviation technology.”
High bandwidth in the air
We all know the demand for bandwidth only goes in one direction – and it is upwards. With the upgrade programme proceeding at a pace, it should deliver an improved inflight internet experience to passengers when flying Southwest.
It’s also comforting to see an upgrade proceed at pace, with the fleet feeling the full force of the upgrade when it is completed by the end of the year.
Anuvu and Southwest have also been shortlisted for the Crystal Cabin Awards as a finalist in the IFEC and Digital Services category, which recognises the joint innovation by the companies to deliver the bandwidth and passenger experience to the seat.
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