Computerworld

Air New Zealand signs contract for Inmarsat’s broadband service

GX Aviation to provide connectivity for long and short-haul fleets by 2017
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We‘ve been monitoring the developments in inflight connectivity for some time and with GX, we believe we will be able to offer broadband on-board in innovative ways that will further set Air New Zealand apart as one of the world’s leading airlines

Avi Golan, Air New Zealand

Inmarsat has announced it has signed a contract with Air New Zealand to provide Global Xpress (GX) connectivity across the airline’s long-haul and short-haul fleets.

GX for Aviation, the world’s first globally available high-speed broadband network designed for mobility, will be deployed by Air New Zealand to deliver a reliable, seamless broadband inflight Wi-Fi experience across the world.

“We’re very excited about working with Air New Zealand. They’re an innovative organisation and have taken a fresh approach to finding the right connectivity partner,” says Inmarsat Aviation president Leo Mondale, in a statement.

“GX for Aviation is the only in-flight broadband solution that is fast, reliable and truly consistent, with seamless coverage across the world provided by a single operator. Our focus is on ensuring customers enjoy a frictionless inflight broadband experience,” says Mondale.

“We wanted a world-class solution that would meet the high expectations of our customers, offering both a consistent and reliable service,” says Avi Golan, chief digital officer at Air New Zealand.

“We then spent time testing the GX live experience on Honeywell’s B757 test aircraft, as part of Inmarsat Aviation’s global test tour.

“We‘ve been monitoring the developments in inflight connectivity for some time and with GX, we believe we will be able to offer broadband on-board in innovative ways that will further set Air New Zealand apart as one of the world’s leading airlines.”

Air New Zealand chief digital officer Avi Golan
Air New Zealand chief digital officer Avi Golan

We wanted a world-class solution that would meet the high expectations of our customers, offering both a consistent and reliable service.

For the first time, GX for Aviation connectivity will be integrated with Air New Zealand’s Inflight Entertainment (IFE) system provided by Panasonic.

This was specifically requested by Air New Zealand and all parties have embraced the opportunity to come together to meet their needs.

GX for Aviation is the ideal solution for Air New Zealand says Inmarsat as the global nature of the GX network means that Air New Zealand’s ultra-long-haul routes will ensure that the customer experience will be of consistently high quality.

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. It is anticipated that domestic routes will be added to the connected fleet from 2018.

Inmarsat says other airlines that have chosen GX include Lufthansa, Austrian Airlines and Singapore Airlines.

Send news tips and comments to divina_paredes@idg.co.nz

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