TCI Evaluates CesiumAstro’s Skylark Multi-Orbit IFC Antenna
CesiumAstro has signed a memorandum of understanding with TCI Aircraft Interiors to evaluate the company’s next-generation Skylark SATCOM antenna system for future inflight connectivity (IFC) programmes. The collaboration marks a significant step in TCI’s roadmap for advanced, scalable connectivity solutions in commercial aviation.
Under the agreement, TCI will work with CesiumAstro on system integration and performance testing as Skylark progresses from a flight-qualified product to a fully flight-demonstrated solution. The initial phase focuses on hardware and software integration alongside ground-based testing. If successful, an in-flight demonstration will follow, helping shape future IFC system designs and accelerating the adoption of high-throughput, multi-orbit technologies.
“Skylark is built for what’s next, not just what’s now,” said Trey Pappas, chief revenue officer at CesiumAstro. “This integration shows the industry that true active multi-beam airborne connectivity isn’t hypothetical. It’s here, it’s real, and ready for production.”
Skylark is powered by CesiumAstro’s modular phased-array architecture, enabling simultaneous multi-beam links across LEO, MEO, and GEO constellations. The terminal delivers high throughput per unit area, offers space-grade reliability through a solid-state design with no moving parts, and remains interoperable with evolving network topologies and modems. It is designed for high-capacity regional and widebody aircraft and represents a key step toward operationalising multi-orbit IFC for airlines.
Ben Murphy, senior director of business development at CesiumAstro, noted that Skylark provides a “ready now” path for meeting the bandwidth demands of streaming-driven passengers. TCI views Skylark as a strong candidate for future high-density connectivity programmes and says the evaluation aligns with its broader IFC initiatives for Turkish Airlines and AJet.
Hayri Özturan, TCI’s director of inflight connectivity programs, added that the company is advancing its hardware development strategy through its IFC Competence Center and System Integration Laboratory. Working closely with Türksat, TCI aims to deliver globally competitive LEO/MEO/GEO-adaptable solutions to support the next evolution of airborne connectivity.
Related News: https://airguide.info/category/magazineonline/airlines/airline-in-flight-services/
Sources: AirGuide Business airguide.info, bing.com, aircraftinteriorsinternational.com