Inmarsat to supply broadband to AirAsia planes

Communications services provider Inmarsat said on Wednesday that it would supply AirAsia Group with its next-generation GX Aviation in-flight broadband to more than 120 Airbus aircraft.

The contract covers Airbus A320 and A330 aircraft across the AirAsia Group and the first onboard installations of GX Aviation are scheduled to commence in the first half of 2018. The deal also covers aircraft operated by the carrier’s long-haul arm AirAsia X.

Inmarsat added that installations could also include additional aircraft types due for delivery in the coming years, such as the Airbus A350.

Inmarsat Aviation President Philip Balaam said the contract meant that more than 1,300 aircraft had been fitted with, or were waiting for the installation of, Inmarsat’s GX Aviation and European Aviation Network service.