ThinKom, Quvia partner on AI-managed in-flight connectivity solution
HAMBURG, Germany - ThinKom Solutions in Hawthorne, Calif., and Quvia in Miramar, Fla., announced a new partnership aimed at advancing in-flight connectivity (IFC) through an integrated solution combining satellite antenna hardware and AI-powered network management software.
The collaboration merges ThinKom’s ThinAir Plus terminal with Quvia Grid, a traffic management system that uses artificial intelligence and machine learning to route network traffic in real time. The system is designed to handle multi-orbit, multi-constellation, and multi-band satellite links to deliver consistent and optimized connectivity for commercial airline passengers.
The ThinAir Plus terminal includes the ThinAir Ka2517 antenna, supporting GEO, MEO, and LEO satellite networks, and features a modular design with an optional electronically steered array (ESA) for LEO-only applications. This multi-aperture setup allows for concurrent connections across various satellite constellations.
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Network switching
Quvia Grid functions as an intelligent intermediary between aircraft and ground networks, classifying and directing traffic based on latency, capacity, cost, and application type. The software enables airlines to maintain service continuity by dynamically switching networks in the event of service outages or disruptions.
"One of the biggest risks for airlines is becoming locked into a single technology or commercial agreement," said Bill Milroy, ThinKom CTO and co-founder. "By combining our multi-constellation ThinAir Plus hardware with Quvia’s traffic management tools, we empower airlines to take control of the IFC experience."
Quvia CEO Benny Retnamony added, "The aviation industry is quickly entering the era of multi-provider IFC. Through our partnership with ThinKom, we’re integrating reliable hardware with AI-based orchestration to deliver a differentiated solution focused on quality of experience."
Related: ThinKom launches hybrid IFC antenna system
The integrated system is designed to be flexible and future-proof. Airlines can select and install new ESAs as additional LEO constellations become available, avoiding long-term vendor lock-in and maintaining adaptability in a rapidly evolving connectivity landscape.
Industry analysts have cited growing airline demand for hybrid, multi-provider connectivity solutions that balance performance, cost, and flexibility, as passenger expectations for seamless internet access continue to rise.
Jamie Whitney
Jamie Whitney joined the staff of Military & Aerospace Electronics and Intelligent Aerospace. He brings seven years of print newspaper experience to the aerospace and defense electronics industry.
Whitney oversees editorial content for the Intelligent Aerospace Website, as well as produce news and features for Military & Aerospace Electronics, attend industry events, produce Webcasts, oversee print production of Military & Aerospace Electronics, and expand the Intelligent Aerospace and Military & Aerospace Electronics franchises with new and innovative content.
