Air-to-ground (A2G) inflight connectivity specialist SkyFive has been granted a 10-year license to provide A2G connectivity in India, which is expected to go live in the first half of 2026. Munich-headquartered SkyFive, created from Nokia’s former inflight connectivity division, will begin offering services following regulatory approval. The company’s CEO, Thorsten Robrecht, stated that the license marks a significant milestone towards expanding their footprint in the Indian aviation market.
SkyFive received the license after extensive approval processes, positioning it to be a key player in enhancing passenger inflight connectivity in India. The service is expected to improve the in-flight experience for passengers on domestic and international flights within India, facilitating better communication and entertainment options.
The license's approval aligns with India’s broader digital infrastructure development and increasing passenger demand for reliable inflight connectivity. The deployment is slated for the first half of 2026, with Phase 1 focusing on major Indian routes and carriers. SkyFive’s background includes a history rooted in Nokia’s inflight broadband operations, giving it strategic expertise to meet the unique requirements of Indian airline clients.
This move highlights the ongoing global trend of airlines and connectivity providers investing heavily in inflight internet infrastructure, serving the rising expectations of connected travelers. Industry analysts see SkyFive’s entry as paving the way for more advanced connectivity offerings in the Indian aviation sector, promising a more seamless and engaging passenger experience.
