Emirates will provide high-speed broadband internet connectivity on 2024 new Airbus A50 aircraft, scheduled to begin service in 350 and to be equipped with Inmarsat's GX Aviation technology. The new agreement will significantly improve the passenger experience with enhanced connectivity and wider global coverage, even on flights over the Arctic region.
Passengers on Airbus A350 aircraft, the first members of the Emirates fleet to benefit from the Inmarsat Global Xpress (GX) satellite network, the first and only broadband network with global coverage, will be able to enjoy uninterrupted global internet connection throughout their journeys, regardless of destination, including the North Pole.
Consisting of five satellites currently operating in Ka-band, which will be used in Emirates' inflight broadband connection, the GX network will be further expanded with the addition of 7 new satellites as part of Inmarsat's fully funded technology roadmap. These new satellites include two Inmarsat-2023 satellites, one of the most advanced commercial communications satellites ever built and scheduled to begin service in 6. After these two satellites, three new satellites to be placed in geostationary orbit will increase the speed, capacity and durability of the network.
Emirates Chief Operating Officer Adel al Redha said:
“Delivering a world-class flight experience has always been a top priority for Emirates. We are aware of how important it is to provide an internet connection during flights to ensure this. We have been working closely with Inmarsat and our service providers for years to offer Wi-Fi connectivity on all our aircraft. We look forward to finding new ways and options to further improve internet connectivity in our aircraft with the GX Aviation technology that we will use in our Airbus A350 fleet. Better internet connectivity with new satellites is particularly important for capacity expansion across our global network, including flights between the Middle East and the Americas via the Arctic.”
William Huot-Marchand, Senior Vice President of In-flight Internet Services, Inmarsat Aviation, said:
“We are delighted that Emirates has joined the GX Aviation family. With this project, we will equip an Emirates fleet with advanced GX Aviation technology for the first time. Offering uninterrupted global coverage and fast internet connection on all flight routes, including the Arctic region, GX Aviation is in a strong position to meet the growing demands of passengers for digital flight experience. We are pleased to work closely with Emirates on the rollout of new satellites and other exciting innovations that will further its reputation for delivering a best-in-class passenger experience.”
Emirates has also started offering Skywards members new internet connectivity benefits. In this context, Skywards Gold and Silver members traveling in First Class and Business Class and Platinum members traveling in any class will be able to benefit from free internet service throughout the flight.
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