Tracy Trent, President, Gilat Stellar Blu
I’m delighted to share news that marks a new chapter for Stellar Blu Solutions (SBS) and the future of in-flight connectivity (IFC).
As the CEO of Stellar Blu Solutions, I am delighted to share that the company is now part of the Gilat Satellite Networks family. This acquisition strengthens our collective capabilities as well as solidifies our position as a leading force in IFC terminal solutions.
Gilat has been a global leader in satellite-based broadband communications for more than 35 years. By combining their cutting-edge satellite technology with our next-generation avionics, we’re set to redefine IFC—delivering unmatched performance and reliability for airlines and service providers worldwide.
Beyond our industry-leading ESA technology, Gilat offers a comprehensive range of advanced IFC products, including modems, baseband equipment, and transceivers that support both Ku- and Ka-bands. This transformative combination positions us to drive the future of aviation connectivity.
IFC has quickly evolved from a luxury to an expectation. Leading airlines now offer free Wi-Fi as a standard feature, driven by the growing demand for a seamless, “at-home” experiences at 30,000 feet. Passengers no longer view connectivity as a perk—it’s essential to their journey.
With this rising demand, IFC providers are rethinking their strategies, investing in new technologies to ensure reliable, high-speed service across entire fleets. Keeping passengers connected isn’t just about convenience—it’s about delivering consistent performance while managing costs.
As data-heavy activities, such as streaming, gaming, and video conferencing, become the norm, the pressure is on to meet their demands. Airlines must provide robust, uninterrupted connectivity that meets modern expectations—ensuring every passenger can stay online from gate to gate.
The market shift toward connectivity, leveraging LEO-based satellite constellations, requires a parallel shift in the IFC equipment installed on the aircraft. LEO-based networks provide ubiquitous, high-performance service but impose demanding requirements on IFC terminals to maintain uninterrupted, high-quality service throughout the flight.
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The Emergence of ESA Technology
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Traditional, mechanically steered antennas have served well, but they’re starting to reveal their limits—especially when it comes to supporting next-generation, non-geostationary orbit (NGSO) services.
The challenge lies in their slower satellite tracking and handover speeds. NGSO constellations require antennas to continuously switch beams and satellites, while handing over signals instantaneously—all in less than a thousandth of a second. Mechanical antennas simply can’t keep up, leading to service interruptions that fall short of passenger expectations.
Additionally their moving parts—like motors—introduce reliability issues, increasing downtime, maintenance needs as well as operational headaches for airlines.
Enter LEO satellites—the game-changers of global connectivity. By delivering low-latency, high-speed internet to even the most remote areas, LEO constellations are reshaping communication networks. However, this leap forward comes with a catch: LEO satellites move fast and are constantly crossing the sky. Conventional antennas struggle to keep pace, leaving gaps in connectivity.
For IFC, ESAs are not just an upgrade—they’re essential for delivering the seamless, always-on experience that today’s passengers expect.
Gilat’s Innovative IFC Technology Combined with Stellar Blu Delivers the Ultimate Global Flying Experience
For more than 15 years, Gilat has been investing in IFC technology to serve commercial, business, government, and defense aviation markets. Gilat technology has been proven, including in multi-orbit operations supporting satellites in GEO, MEO and LEO orbits.
Gilat was selected by Satcom Direct as the driving force behind the technology that will deliver the highest possible bandwidth to business aviation customers, using OneWeb’s LEO constellation.
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Introducing Sidewinder
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As the first to bring multi-orbit ESA technology to commercial and business aviation, we’ve built a one-stop shop for inflight connectivity—covering everything from development and certification to integration and installation. Our focus has always been on next-generation avionics and satellite solutions that ensure global coverage, even in high-traffic regions or areas with LEO regulatory restrictions.
By Stellar Blu Solutions joining forces with Gilat, we’re creating a powerhouse of innovation that will drive faster, more reliable, IFC solutions to the market. With this partnership, airlines and operators can expect even greater performance, expanded capabilities, and seamless connectivity—helping shape the future of inflight connectivity like never before.
The Stellar Blu “Sidewinder” ESA solution is breaking new ground with its open, modular architecture—designed to unlock the performance and cost benefits of multi-orbit connectivity. Its adaptable design isn’t just for commercial aviation; it can easily scale to meet the needs of other aerospace applications.
Sidewinder’s open architecture allows seamless integration with any service provider, giving airlines unmatched flexibility. Its sleek, radome-free design not only boosts performance but also streamlines installation and maintenance—driving down total cost of ownership. With best-in-class performance and adaptability, Sidewinder is setting the standard for the future of inflight connectivity.
Industry leaders like Intelsat, Panasonic, Boeing, OneWeb, and more have selected the Sidewinder platform to power their next-generation SATCOM solutions.
With more than 1,000 installations planned during the next 18 months, some of the world’s largest airlines are already on board. And, Gilat’s solutions are widely deployed in over 30 airlines around the world.
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Conclusion
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LEO satellite systems are ushering in a new era of in-flight connectivity, meeting the growing demands of passengers and the aviation industry alike. Electronically Steered Antennas (ESAs) are essential to enabling LEO-based services, allowing airlines to provide seamless connectivity for travelers.
Gilat is at the forefront of this transformation, leading the market with ESA solutions that combine performance, flexibility, and reliability. As ESA technology continues to evolve, the sky is no longer a barrier to communication or productivity—it’s an expansive space where passengers can stay connected, and airlines can exceed the expectations of the digital age.
The combination of Gilat and Stellar Blu Solutions brings even more exciting potential to the future of aviation connectivity. Together, we’re combining innovation and expertise to revolutionize the passenger experience.
With a full lineup of industry leading solutions, airlines and service providers can count on Gilat, with Stellar Blu now on board to deliver reliable, high-performance connectivity for passengers around the world, shaping the future of air travel and connectivity.
www.gilat.com/technology/ka-band/