[Satellite Today – 4-2-08] Thales will launch a connectivity to boost entertainment services to passengers on airplanes, the company announced April 1.
    The service, dubbed TopConnect, will be delivered to the aircraft via a Thales Swift broadband satellite communications antenna connected to a data server. TopConnect also will be compatible with other satellite communications subsystems and can be integrated with L-band services, Thales said.
    “TopConnect is not just for passengers that bring onboard their laptop or phone, it is for everyone on the aircraft,” Alan Pellegrini, vice president and general manager of Thales’ In-Flight Entertainment business, said in a statement. “Each traveler can connect to the outside world through the Thales system. This capability brings new benefits to world travel by delivering up-to-date content.”