Air New Zealand economy seats. Photo: Air New Zealand

[Via Satellite 12-07-2016] Air New Zealand has contracted Inmarsat to provide Global Xpress (GX) connectivity across the airline’s long- and short-haul fleets. New Zealand will deploy Inmarsat’s GX for Aviation, a globally available high-speed broadband network designed for mobility, with the aim to deliver an in-flight Wi-Fi experience to the airline customers.

Inmarsat will also integrate GX for Aviation connectivity with Air New Zealand’s In-Flight Entertainment (IFE) system provided by In-Flight Connectivity (IFC) competitor Panasonic Avionics, a move specifically requested by Air New Zealand.

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. Inmarsat anticipates that domestic routes will be added to the connected fleet from 2018.