Boeing and Gilat Satellite Networks are progressing plans to bring Gilat’s Sidewinder electronically steered antenna (ESA) to aircraft production lines as a future line-fit in-flight connectivity (IFC) option.
The milestone marks a step toward making the multi-orbit connectivity system available directly at aircraft delivery, allowing airlines and IFC providers to avoid post-delivery retrofit installations. The Sidewinder terminal is expected to be offered by Boeing through integration partners supporting cabin connectivity programs.
The companies say the compact ESA architecture is intended to reduce installation complexity and maintenance requirements compared with traditional retrofit approaches. The system is also designed around an open architecture model, giving airlines flexibility in selecting and changing IFC service providers rather than operating within a closed connectivity ecosystem.
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The development reflects the aviation industry’s wider shift toward factory-installed connectivity hardware as airlines continue to prioritise faster deployment of high-bandwidth cabin internet services. Multi-orbit IFC systems are increasingly being adopted to improve coverage and network resilience by combining different satellite constellations.
Ron Levin, President of Gilat Commercial Division, said the collaboration with Boeing supports the company’s strategy to expand advanced connectivity offerings in commercial aviation. He added that Gilat is working toward certifying the Sidewinder terminal for line-fit availability for IFC service providers.
Gilat Satellite Networks develops satellite networking and broadband communication technologies for aviation, mobility, enterprise, and defense markets.
