Inmarsat provides broadband solution to airlines across Asia Pacific

Inmarsat, a global mobile satellite communications services provider, is supplying two airlines in the Asia Pacific region with its SwiftBroadband broadband solution.

OnAir will deploy its internet OnAir Wi-Fi capability in each aircraft. The agreement initially covers 28 aircraft, made up of a mix of Boeing 777-300ERs and Boeing 767-300ERs

Japanese airlines ANA will deploy SwiftBroadband on its international routes from mid-2013. Inmarsat will also provide Wi-Fi services to ANA’s all international routes.

OnAir, a distribution partner of Inmarsat, is providing SwiftBroadband service to ANA. It is also providing in-flight connectivity for Cebu Pacific Air, the Philippines’ largest flag carrier and a low cost carrier (LCC) in Southeast Asia.

OnAir will deploy the service in Airbus A330 fleet of Cebu Pacific Air. Additionally, it will roll out Internet OnAir to passengers during 2013.

The SwiftBroadband will be deployed as the satellite backbone for in-flight internet services by these two airlines.

OnAir will deploy its internet OnAir Wi-Fi capability in each aircraft. The agreement initially covers 28 aircraft, made up of a mix of Boeing 777-300ERs and Boeing 767-300ERs.

“It is clear that the SwiftBroadband-based service continues to deliver the best-in-class solution by providing what passengers want, at the right price, and with connectivity that is consistent across the globe,” said Ian Dawkins, CEO of OnAir.

SwiftBroadband is a broadband data solution in the airline industry, with reportedly over 2,500 aircraft systems operating on routes all over the world.

“Both ANA and Cebu Pacific Air are highly-respected airlines that have committed to SwiftBroadband, alongside Emirates, Etihad Airways, Qantas, Qatar Airways, Singapore Airlines and Virgin Atlantic,” said Ronald Spithout, president of Inmarsat’s Enterprise business unit.

With the solution into place, Cebu Pacific passengers will be able to access the Internet while in-flight and make calls using Voice over IP (VoIP) applications via wi-fi enabled devices, including Android phones and tablets, iPhone, iPad, Blackberry, and laptops.