10 Years of 2Ku

A decade ago the inflight internet world changed forever.

It was a solution unlike any that came before. Streaming-class performance came online. This journey not only transformed inflight connectivity but also set new standards in aviation technology. And it was delivered by ThinKom’s ThinAir Ku3030 antenna.

Known more broadly in the industry as the 2Ku inflight internet service (and now operated by SES), the Ku3030 ushered in a new era of entertainment and productivity for the flying public. Aeromexico was first to adopt the system, installing the kit in November 2015 and taking flight in early 2016. A decade later, 27 aircraft in the carrier’s fleet still fly the Ku3030 system, joined by more than a thousand aircraft across dozens of airlines around the globe.

“We are proud to supply the ThinAir® antennas at the heart of the inflight connectivity revolution started by 2Ku,” said Bill Milroy, ThinKom’s CTO. “Over the past decade, together we have brought seamless, high-speed internet to millions of flights, enabling passengers to stay connected, work, and be entertained while in the air.”

Built on ThinKom’s proprietary, patented, and proven VICTS technology platform, the Ku3030 was the first phased array to be used for commercial inflight connectivity. It looks and behaves differently from other inflight internet terminals. The ultra-low-profile design dramatically reduces drag compared to legacy gimbal-mount designs, reducing fuel burn and emissions. A decade later, even as ESAs come online, that performance remains unmatched.  

Similarly, the Ku3030 introduced the VICTS architecture to the market, dramatically improving reliability while offering unrivaled spectral efficiency to squeeze the most out of the available radio spectrum while minimizing interference.

This is accomplished with dramatically lower power draw than competing designs, ensuring smooth gate-to-gate operations in even the most demanding climates.

Finally, the phased array terminals leverage a non-contacting direct drive system to speedily and seamlessly switch between satellites across orbital planes, improving network reliability and performance without dropping data.

“Our vision is to offer the ultimate inflight internet flexibility and functionality,” added Jeff Sare, ThinKom’s Chief Commercial Officer.  “By blending the highest network efficiency with the best reliability and the lowest drag, our ThinAir product line supports full multi-orbit, multi-band, multi-constellation solutions and delivers seamless connectivity anywhere on earth.”

Building on the success of the Ku3030, ThinKom expanded its ThinAir product line to include Ka-band services, committed or flying its flagship Ka2517 on more than 1,000 aircraft. These installs are future-compatible with the Telesat Lightspeed LEO constellation, expected to enter service in 2027. It also remains the terminal of choice for the Airbus HBCplus program.

For smaller jets ThinKom offers the Ka1717, with more than 500 terminals delivered to Hughes Network Systems for installation with Delta Air Lines regional jet fleet.

Just as ThinKom changed the industry with the Ku3030, the ThinAir Ka2517 Plus represents the next generation of inflight internet. The Ka2517 kit is boosted by a small, LEO-only ESA under a single installation. It brings true multi-band, multi-orbit, simultaneous multi-link connectivity, allowing airlines future-proof flexibility in their connectivity planning.

A decade ago ThinKom helped change the inflight internet world. We look forward to continuing that innovative streak for decades to come.

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ThinKom ThinAir antennas are installed on more than 2,000 commercial aircraft today and have accumulated more than 60 million in-service hours around the world.

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