With new high-speed inflight broadband enabled by Inmarsat’s GX Aviation, Emirates will give passengers yet another chance to “fly better” on 50 new Airbus A350 aircraft that are expected to begin service in 2024. With improved connection and wider worldwide coverage, including on flights over the Arctic, the new arrangement will greatly enhance the passenger experience.
The Inmarsat Global Xpress (GX) satellite network powers the first and only globally accessible broadband network, and the Airbus A350s will be the first Emirates aircraft to use it. This will guarantee passengers can enjoy uninterrupted global connectivity no matter their destination, including the North Pole. With the broadband’s cutting-edge high-speed capabilities, Emirates passengers can access social media, browse the internet, and keep in touch with loved ones from the comfort of their seats.
Emirates’ inflight broadband will be powered by the GX network, which presently comprises of five Ka-band satellites. As part of Inmarsat’s fully funded technology roadmap, seven additional satellite payloads will be added to the GX network. Included in this are two Inmarsat-6 spacecraft, the most advanced commercial communications satellites ever constructed, both of which are slated to start operations in 2023. The world’s only commercial mobile broadband service will be made possible for aircraft flying in higher altitudes and across the Arctic, such as routes between the Middle East and North America, by the addition of three more satellites in geostationary orbit that will increase speed, capacity, and resilience, as well as by the placement of two satellites in highly elliptical orbit.
Adel al Redha, Emirates’ Chief Operating Officer, said “Delivering a world-class onboard experience has always been paramount to Emirates and we understand the importance of being connected during flights. Over the years, we have worked closely with Inmarsat and our supplier partners to ensure all our aircraft offer Wi-Fi connectivity. We look forward to finding ways and options to improve the connectivity on-board our aircraft by utilising GX Aviation for our Airbus A350 fleet. The advanced capabilities being introduced by the forthcoming satellites are particularly important, as this will boost capacity across our global network, including aircraft flying over the Arctic for routes between the Middle East and America.”
William Huot-Marchand, Inmarsat Aviation’s Senior Vice President of Inflight Connectivity, said “We are delighted that Emirates has joined the GX Aviation family. This will be the first fleet with Emirates to be equipped with our highly advanced GX Aviation solution. GX Aviation is well positioned to meet growing passenger expectations around a digital onboard experience, offering high-speed connectivity with uninterrupted global coverage across all flight routes, even over the Arctic. We look forward to working closely with Emirates on the rollout and other exciting innovations that build on its excellent history of providing a best-in-class passenger experience.”
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