[Satellite TODAY 04-11-13] Boeing and Honeywell have signed a new technical services agreement as they look to come up with the next generation of high-speed in-flight connectivity services on passenger devices such as iPads, smartphones, tablets and laptops. The agreement will allow both companies to jointly research, test and develop the hardware, software and potential services using Global Xpress Ka-band satellites, powered by Inmarsat.
Jack Jacobs, vice president of Marketing Product and Management, Honeywell Aerospace told SatelliteTODAY.com that this was a highly significant deal for the company in this area.
“The announcement of Honeywell and Boeing’s plan to research and develop the most advanced in-flight connectivity system for the 787, 777, 737NG and 747-8 platforms is significant in that it is the first time a service provider and an aircraft manufacturer are exploring options together for better Internet during flight. Once Global Xpress is launched, aircraft passengers will be able to have a similar Internet experience to what they have on the ground,” he said.
Service providers and technology manufacturers are looking to improve these services. Jacobs hopes the collaboration with Boeing will mean Honeywell will be able to provide such services and optimize flight operations in real time.
Wei Li, senior consultant, Euroconsult, which recently released a new report: ‘Prospects for In-Flight Entertainment and Connectivity’ told SatelliteTODAY.com earlier this week that the biggest surprise to come out of the report were the low take-up rates, which go as low as 5 percent for equipped planes. Jacobs said these figures are “not concerning” at all.
“Compared to other services, the Global Xpress Aviation service will offer two major advantages: speed and global accessibility, to give passengers an in-flight connectivity/WiFi experience that is similar to what they have at home and the office. Because of the much higher bandwidth capacity, passengers will be able to enjoy faster broadband speeds at a significantly lower price,” he added.
Jacobs does not believe Inmarsat will be too badly impacted by the fact that a number of airlines have already made technology decisions in this area.
“Some airlines have had to make an early decision due to their timing needs. However the Global Xpress service will change the connectivity game upon its release,” he said.
In-flight connectivity remains a key market for companies like Honeywell to monetize, and Jacobs believes GlobalXpress will offer “advantages” to almost every aerospace market including air transport, government and business jet operators.
“Business travelers will be able to use the faster bandwidth capabilities to develop presentations, conduct real-time video conference calls and engage in real-time Instant message chats with colleagues all while in flight and in a manner similar to being at their office. Consumer travelers will be able to download and view music and videos, engage in social media (i.e. live Facebook and Twitter conversations) and check email in a manner similar to being at home in their living room. Government users will be able to communicate mission-critical information with ground bases on details about position and status of manned and unmanned aircraft. And the network connectivity requirements of government users to ‘always be on’ will drive a heightened level of adoption of this service to meet critical mission requirements,” Jacobs said.