Singapore Airlines will install GX Aviation high-speed connectivity on its long-haul fleet, with the first installation scheduled for the second half of 2016. The airline has procured the solution from Inmarsat partner SITAONAIR, and it will be powered by Honeywell’s JetWave satellite communications hardware.
The carrier’s Boeing 777-300ER aircraft will be the first to be equipped with the GX Aviation service, with the Airbus A380-800s and A350-900s next on the list. The announcement follows the successful launch of the third Global Xpress satellite in August 2015.
SITAONAIR highlighted the fact that as well as being the Wi-Fi Internet and mobile phone service provider, it will also manage the certification process of the GX Aviation system for the B777-300ER fleet, and provide the airborne GX Aviation systems for both the Boeing and the A380-800 fleets. Thales will provide the airborne connectivity system for the A350-900s with SITAONAIR providing the Wi-Fi Internet and Mobile phone service. Zodiac Inflight Innovations will provide the JetWave GX Aviation Satcom for the A380-800, B777-300ER and A350-900 programmes.
Ian Dawkins, CEO of SITAONAIR, said: “Singapore Airlines is one of the most respected carriers in the world. By choosing SITAONAIR services, it clearly demonstrates the superiority of GX Aviation in terms of passenger experience, reliable and global coverage.
“What is particularly exciting is that this is only the beginning of what we can do with connectivity. We already provide connectivity solutions for airline operations, from flight tracking to crew tablets, and from electronic flights bags to air traffic control AIRCOM services. The introduction of GX Aviation opens up a whole new world of opportunities for the connected aircraft.”
