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Gilat expands commercial aviation partnership with Intelsat

Gilat’s SkyEdge II-c VSAT network platform supports multiple applications including in-flight connectivity (IFC), consumer broadband, and cellular backhaul.

Gilat Satellite Networks has expanded its strategic partnership in commercial aviation with Intelsat, operator of the integrated satellite and terrestrial network headquartered in McLean, Virginia.

To enable the expansion of commercial and business aviation services in Asia, Intelsat will be using Gilat’s SkyEdge II-c system, which, in addition to providing in-flight connectivity, is designed to deliver fixed and mobility services for maritime and land-mobility, as well. Its network management system, TotalNMS, enables full configuration, control and monitoring of all system elements and remote terminals. SkyEdge II-c is a proven operational system that allows aviation service providers like Intelsat to streamline service fulfillment and provide a better user experience to airline passengers.

Commenting on the partnership, Dave Bijur, Senior Vice President of Commercial Aviation at Intelsat, said: “Thanks to our close relationship with Gilat, as well as the technological advantages and benefits that they provide, we’ll be ready for the post-COVID mainstream adoption of IFC among travellers throughout parts of Asia. We look forward to continued collaboration to further grow the network in 2022, which will result in significant revenue growth in the IFC segment.”

Amir Yafe, VP of Mobility & Global Accounts at Gilat, added: “We value our strong, continuing partnership with Intelsat, and are looking forward to seeing the expanded service coverage in Asia, supporting Intelsat’s efforts to deliver in-flight connectivity internationally. This network expansion is a testament to the strength of Gilat technology for IFC. The expanded network will address the increased demand for internet connectivity in the commercial and business aviation market on a global scale and, with the current recovery of global aviation, the timing couldn’t be better.”