Platinum Equity Acquisition of Anuvu Signals Stronger Future for Airline Connectivity
Originally published on APEX
Image via Anuvu
This week, global investment firm Platinum Equity has signed a definitive agreement to acquire in-flight entertainment and connectivity (IFEC) provider Anuvu. The acquisition highlights the growing importance of digital services as airlines continue to invest in technology to enhance the passenger experience. The deal is slated to close in the fourth quarter of 2025, pending regulatory approval.
Stronger Connectivity and Content Ahead for Airline Passengers
In the aviation industry, IFEC is no longer viewed as a luxury for passengers but an operational necessity. Airlines are investing heavily in fleetwide broadband to keep up with growing passenger expectations. Anuvu is at the forefront of this shift, providing in-flight Wi-Fi services to more than 150 airlines while also licensing and distributing entertainment content for the aviation industry. Its clients include Air China, Alaska Airlines, China Airlines, TUI Airways, Ethiopian Airlines, Etihad Airways, and many others.
The acquisition gives Platinum Equity a direct foothold in the aviation market at a time when digital engagement is becoming essential. The deal follows Anuvu’s sale of its maritime, energy, and government connectivity operations to FMC GlobalSat just over a year ago.
Photo via United Airlines
“We are excited to partner with Platinum Equity to leverage their financial expertise, global capabilities, and operational know-how supporting fast-growing portfolio companies,” said Anuvu CEO Joshua Marks.
The global investment firm, which has nearly $50 billion of assets across 60 companies, has a track record of investing in companies that specialize in technology and content delivery. Its portfolio already includes Deluxe, acquired in 2020, a leading provider of post-production services for major media studios. Adding Anuvu expands its portfolio into the transportation and mobility markets, where demand for high-quality streaming, connectivity, and data-driven passenger experiences is accelerating.
“We also see opportunities to leverage Anuvu’s content and technology capabilities to expand further into adjacent markets, including non-theatrical verticals, media processing and delivery, advertising, and other custom services,” explained Platinum Equity Managing Director Dan Krasner.
The acquisition comes just a week after Anuvu activated two new satellites, which were launched by a SpaceX Falcon 9 rocket in December. In early July, the satellites arrived in geostationary (GEO) orbit and have since undergone numerous in-orbit checks and calibrations. The NuView-A and NuView-B microGEO satellites, manufactured and operated by Astranis Space Technologies, are now fully operational, delivering 50 Gigabits per second of additional capacity over the US to support Anuvu’s connectivity customers.
Image via Astranis
Marks explained, “We’ve made strong progress in recent years by investing in both technology and content, focusing on our core strengths in the aviation and cruise markets. We recently activated the Anuvu Constellation, providing dedicated aviation satellite capacity over North America.”
Inflight Connectivity Defines Modern Airline Service
Throughout the past decade, connectivity in the aviation industry has shifted from an ancillary service to a strategic differentiator for airlines in terms of passenger experience. Today, as airlines modernize their fleets, connectivity is a cornerstone of both customer satisfaction and operational efficiency.
According to Viasat’s 2024 Passenger Experience Survey, which gathered insights from more than 11,000 respondents worldwide that have traveled on an airplane within the past 12 months, one in three participants said that having no Wi-Fi is one of the most frustrating things about flying today. Additionally, 22% of participants said that they would not consider flying long-haul without Wi-Fi.
Image via Viasat
Anuvu enables airlines to offer passengers a wide range of in-flight entertainment and connectivity options, including a diverse array of movies, TV shows, music, games, and high-speed Wi-Fi, all accessible during travel. The company also powers the backend technology and analytics platforms that help airlines deliver and manage these services efficiently.
