Inmarsat Aviation’s high speed broadband a “world-class” solution for one the world’s leading carriers. Inmarsat (ISAT.L), the world’s leading provider of global mobile satellite communications, announced that it has signed a contract with Air New Zealand to provide Global Xpress (GX) connectivity across the airline’s long-haul and short-haul fleets.

 

GX for Aviation, the world’s first globally available high speed broadband network designed for mobility, will be deployed by Air New Zealand to deliver a reliable, seamless broadband inflight Wi-Fi experience across the world.

 

For the first time, GX for Aviation connectivity will be integrated with Air New Zealand’s Inflight Entertainment (IFE) system provided by Panasonic. This was specifically requested by Air New Zealand and all parties have embraced the opportunity to come together to meet their needs. GX for Aviation is the ideal solution for Air New Zealand. The global nature of the GX network means that Air New Zealand’s ultra-long-haul routes, across the Pacific and on to the United Kingdom are covered, whilst the ability to layer-in capacity over Air New Zealand’s key regional destination hubs, such as the East Coast of Australia, will ensure that the customer experience will be of consistently high quality.

 

The first GX-equipped aircraft are expected to begin proving flights in the second half of 2017, with services progressively available on Tasman, Pacific and long haul fleets from the end of next year. It is anticipated that domestic routes will be added to the connected fleet from 2018. Air New Zealand is joining a growing fleet of airline customers who have chosen GX, including Lufthansa, Austrian Airlines and Singapore Airlines.