Stable networks at 10,000 meters are anything but a given. Behind the connectivity available to passengers on board modern aircraft lies complex engineering. In the field of inflight connectivity, m3connect develops technologies that perform reliably even under extreme conditions.
Avdo and Daniel from our inflight team share insights into how they support international projects and work with our network engineers on solutions that function reliably at 10,000 meters.
They talk about technical challenges, international projects, and why this role is a strong fit for network engineers who value precision, innovation, and responsibility.
What exactly does inflight connectivity mean, and what role does your team play in it?
Avdo: Inflight connectivity essentially means that passengers can stay online during the flight, whether for streaming, messaging, or business applications. For that to work, a complex infrastructure is required to establish data connections between the aircraft, satellites, and ground networks.
In our inflight team, different roles work together: Daniel and I manage the projects and coordinate processes with airlines and technology partners. The engineering team is responsible for the technical implementation and operation of the systems, keeping the platform running stably, scaling cleanly, and prepared for new requirements. We are currently looking to strengthen this area.
How did m3connect originally enter the aviation sector, and how has the topic developed since then?
Daniel: We originally entered the inflight sector through an international tender issued by a major telecommunications provider. At first, we worked with a single airline and a technology partner to implement the onboard network connection. Today, we operate this platform on behalf of the provider for numerous airlines worldwide and have integrated multiple technology partners, with different systems and transmission paths connecting the aircraft to the ground.
How does working in the inflight team differ from traditional network projects on the ground?
Daniel: The main difference is the large number of partners and systems that interlock here. We operate the central platform, essentially the hub at the center of the network.
On one side is the connection from the aircraft, which reaches the ground via different technologies such as satellite and the European Aviation Network. From there, the data is handed over to our platform, where we manage passenger access. Additional systems are also involved, such as roaming and payment platforms, as well as interfaces to airline systems that identify booking classes and frequent flyer status, ensuring each passenger receives exactly the service intended for them. The task includes developing a dedicated customer platform across the entire technology stack, from solution design and implementation through infrastructure, network, backend, and frontend, to operations.
Which technologies is m3connect currently using to provide passengers with stable internet access above the clouds?
Daniel: Since we develop our own platform for the customer, a wide range of technologies is used. At the infrastructure level, we rely on high-quality Unix systems with Debian as the operating system, open-source databases such as MySQL, and virtualization via Proxmox. In the network, we use Ruckus switches, Fortinet firewalls, RADIUS servers, and all common network services such as DHCP, DNS, and NAT.
At the application level, we use Java Spring Boot in the backend and JavaScript and HTML in the frontend, all based on Docker technology and integrated into a DevOps CI/CD pipeline.
For operations, we rely on a modern monitoring stack consisting of Loki, Prometheus, and Grafana, with Puppet and Ansible handling automation.
You are currently looking to strengthen the engineering team for the inflight area. How do you work with this team, and how is it structured overall?
Daniel: The new colleague will be part of the systems engineering team, right at the heart of our technical unit. There, they will be surrounded by experienced colleagues to exchange expertise with. They will take on central technical responsibility for the inflight area, overseeing the systems that connect our platform with partners and airlines, and serving as the key interface for the technical implementation of new requirements and optimizations. This is not a behind-the-scenes role, but a position where you can truly shape things, with a high level of personal responsibility and direct impact on international projects.
Why is this role an exciting challenge for an experienced network engineer?
Daniel: Because it is incredibly diverse. In the inflight sector, no two days are the same, with systems that are used worldwide and operate under conditions that simply do not exist on the ground. Anyone who thinks technically and wants to take responsibility will find an environment here where network technology is deployed with a high degree of precision. You work on solutions with directly tangible results: when an aircraft takes off and passengers go online, that is ultimately the outcome of this work. That is what makes it so demanding, and so exciting.
Why are you looking for additional support right now?
Avdo: In the inflight sector, new topics are constantly emerging and our customers’ requirements are evolving rapidly. Many projects have to be delivered at short notice, requiring speed and focus. To sustain this in the long term, we need a resource that can concentrate fully on this area. We also want to keep developing our platform, as automation, Agentic AI, OpenRoaming, IPv6, and end-to-end monitoring are playing an increasingly important role and require dedicated focus.
Beyond exciting projects, what defines working in your team, and what can a new colleague look forward to?
Avdo: m3connect is no longer a small company, but we are growing strongly, operating internationally, and developing solutions at the cutting edge of technology. We have maintained our openness and ability to tackle topics quickly, and that agile spirit has remained: everyone pulls together. Good work is seen and appreciated here, professionally and personally.
Why is now a good time to join m3connect as a network engineer?
Daniel: Now is exactly the right time because there is an enormous amount of technical change happening in the inflight sector. New standards, more bandwidth, and automation are all changing the way airlines provide connectivity, and we are actively shaping this transformation. Anyone who joins now has the opportunity to be involved from the outset and help build systems that are used worldwide.
If you had to describe the future of inflight connectivity in one sentence, what would it be?
Avdo: In a few years, inflight connectivity will be as natural as Wi-Fi on the ground, largely free of charge, accessible to everyone, and with a better view. 🙂
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Inflight connectivity: a field where technology pushes boundaries, and you can be part of it.
Would you like to learn more about this field, are you looking for a team that’s passionate about what they do—and are you ready to take on technical responsibility for a key international project?
Then apply for the position of IT Network Engineer (m/f/d) in the Inflight Connectivity division and bring your expertise to our System Engineering Team in Aachen.
