Inmarsat, a leading provider of global mobile satellite communications services, released that SwiftBroadband will be deployed as the satellite backbone for inflight internet services on two airlines in the Asia Pacific region. Japanese air carrier ANA will deploy SwiftBroadband on its international routes from mid-2013. ANA is one of Japan’s leading airlines and a member of the Star Alliance. 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 inflight 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.
