Inmarsat to debut GX Aviation this year
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Inmarsat has announced it will use its new Global Xpress (GX) satellite fleet to provide in-flight connectivity services for the airline industry.
The company will launch its Global Xpress Aviation offering this year, and has already arranged to serve initial customers including Lufthansa, Singapore Airlines and Jazeera Airways.
Inmarsat’s GX network entered commercial service in December. It currently includes three Ka-band satellites with sufficient capacity to meet existing and near-term demand for Airlines.
A fourth GX satellite has already been commissioned, and is completing construction and testing by Boeing. Inmarsat said it will build on this capacity to meet more long-term demand.
Inmarsat has also contracted Airbus Defence and Space to build the first two satellites for its sixth-generation fleet, the first of which is due for delivery by 2020.
The new sixth-generation satellites will support both the Ka-band and L-band. Inmarsat expects to use the Ka-band payload to augment the capacity of the GX network in busy regions, and use the L-band capacity for a new generation of aviation safety services.
Inmarsat is also building the European Aviation Network, which will integrate a satellite network with an LTE-based ground network provided by Deutsche Telekom. Aircraft will automatically switch between satellite and terrestrial connectivity.
Questions & Answers
Q.Which airlines are confirmed as initial customers for the GX Aviation service?
Which airlines are confirmed as initial customers for the GX Aviation service?
Inmarsat has already secured agreements to provide its GX Aviation service to Lufthansa, Singapore Airlines, and Jazeera Airways as initial customers. These airlines will be among the first to offer the new in-flight connectivity.
Q.What is the timeline for the delivery of Inmarsat's first sixth-generation satellite?
What is the timeline for the delivery of Inmarsat's first sixth-generation satellite?
Airbus Defence and Space is building the first two satellites for Inmarsat's sixth-generation fleet. The first of these advanced satellites is scheduled for delivery by the year 2020, enhancing future network capabilities.
Q.How will Inmarsat's sixth-generation satellites improve its services?
How will Inmarsat's sixth-generation satellites improve its services?
The new sixth-generation satellites will support both Ka-band and L-band frequencies. The Ka-band payload will augment the GX network capacity in busy areas, while the L-band will provide capacity for new aviation safety services.
Q.How does the European Aviation Network handle connectivity for aircraft?
How does the European Aviation Network handle connectivity for aircraft?
The European Aviation Network integrates a satellite network with an LTE-based ground network, provided by Deutsche Telekom. Aircraft utilising this network will automatically switch between the satellite and terrestrial connectivity as needed.
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