Updated to include comment from Tecom (and a proper photo).
Southwest Airlines has turned on in-flight Wi-Fi abroad its first non-test aircraft, RWG can reveal.
In an internal email to employees, Southwest says: "Wi-Fi: It's ON!"
Aircraft N910WN, pictured above, is the first "official" Row 44-equipped Southwest aircraft, according to Southwest, which tested Row 44's system on four 737s.
We know that Row 44 recently selected Tecom/Qest to provide their KuStream 1000 Ku-band antenna system for Southwest's fleet.
Southwest now says its Wi-Fi service has been "given the green light" and that the four test programme aircraft (which carry Aerosat antennas) will be re-fitted soon.
Update: Tecom vice president of sales and marketing Raju Chandra tells RWG this evening that indeed the KuStream 1000 antenna is installed on the fifth Southwest aircraft.
He also confirms that the KuStream 1000 "has received all requisite approvals" and that the firm believes the antenna will be refitted to the original four test aircraft.
I got up close and personal with the KuStream 1000 at last year's WAEA conference and exhibition in Palm Springs.
(Photo at top from Krishull's Flickr photo stream)
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