Inmarsat to Deploy OnAir Service on Two Asia Pacific Airlines
By Jeffrey Hill | July 11, 2012
[Satellite TODAY 07-11-12] MSS operator Inmarsat will deploy its SwiftBroadband service as a satellite backbone for in-flight Internet services on two airlines in the Asia Pacific region, the company announced July 10.
Japanese airline ANA will deploy SwiftBroadband on its international routes starting in mid-2013. Inmarsat said the Wi-Fi services, which are being provided by its distribution partner OnAir, would be available on all the airline’s international routes, particularly those to American and European destinations. The agreement initially covers 28 aircraft, made up of a mix of Boeing 777-300ERs and Boeing 767-300ERs.
OnAir is also providing in-flight connectivity for Cebu Pacific Air in the Philippines. Starting with deployment in its Airbus A330 fleet, the airline will rollout Internet OnAir to passengers during 2013. Cebu Pacific Air also has the option to install Wi-Fi on its fleet of Airbus A320 aircraft for short haul flights in the next phase.
“The decision by these airlines to select Internet OnAir is a strong indication of their shared vision and support for our global in-flight connectivity solutions. It is clear that the SwiftBroadband-based service continues to deliver the best-in-class solution by providing what passengers want, at the right price and with connectivity that is consistent across the globe,” OnAire CEO Ian Dawkins said in a statement.