Airline

ANA to deploy SwiftBroadband from mid-2013

  • Share this:
ANA to deploy SwiftBroadband from mid-2013

Inmarsat has announced that SwiftBroadband™ will be deployed as the satellite backbone for in-flight internet services on two airlines in the Asia Pacific region.
Japanese carrier ANA will deploy SwiftBroadband on its international routes from mid-2013. From next year, Inmarsat-enabled Wi-Fi services will be available on all the airline’s international routes, which mainly serve American and European destinations.
The SwiftBroadband service is being provided by Inmarsat distribution partner OnAir, which 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.
OnAir is also providing in-flight connectivity for Cebu Pacific Air, the Philippines’ largest flag carrier and the first low cost carrier in Southeast Asia. Starting with deployment in its Airbus A330 fleet, it will roll out Internet OnAir to passengers during 2013. The airline also has the option to install Wi-Fi on its fleet of Airbus A320 aircraft, for short haul flights, in the next phase.
Once in service, 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. Manila-based Cebu Pacific will be the first long-haul LCC in South East Asia to provide in-flight internet access.
Ian Dawkins, CEO of OnAir, commented: “The decision by these airlines to select Internet OnAir is a strong indication of their shared vision and support for our global in-flight connectivity solutions. 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.”
Ronald Spithout, President of Inmarsat’s Enterprise business unit added: “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. This is a significant endorsement of the ability of SwiftBroadband to deliver in-flight data connectivity for passengers, with a service quality commensurate with a world-class operator.”