Hong Kong | August 8, 2018–Satcom Direct, the business aviation connectivity, software and hardware provider, has confirmed its first Jet ConneX installation for Deer Jet subsidiary, Hongkong Jet. The ultra-high-speed Ka-band service, powered by Inmarsat’s Global Xpress satellite constellation, is being supplied to a privately-owned Gulfstream G650ER, managed and maintained by Hongkong Jet.

Installed at Gulfstream’s Long Beach, CA. facility and activated by SD in early summer, the system delivers unrivalled cabin access to the highest data speeds available to business aircraft in the sky. “The principal runs a large, international Chinese conglomerate so the ability to use voice and text services, download and email documents, and surf the web, are fundamental to his business. His family often travels with him and they want to stream video, watch favorite TV series, and big sporting events. The need to deliver constant, reliable, secure connectivity is essential. With Jet ConneX installed the cabin is truly a home from home, as well as an office in the air,” says Mike Walsh, chief commercial officer, Hongkong Jet.

The Satcom Direct Router, SDR®, seamlessly delivers the high-speed connectivity throughout the G650ER cabin to all passenger devices. In addition, data integrity is maintained by the SD suite of cyber security software solutions which while managed by the SDR, are supplemented by certified SD experts, to proactively mitigate potential threats and block intrusion attempts in real-time.

“The data security offering, the standard of SD global customer service, and the ability to respond 24/7 to resolve potential issues, played a significant part in our decision to appoint them as the Ka-band provider. Our clients expect us to maintain the aircraft to the highest standards and we rely on SD to meet and exceed those expectations in terms of connectivity,” said Denzil White, chief executive officer, Hongkong Jet.

“We have supplied connectivity to the G650ER for some time and upgrading to the Jet ConneX offering was a natural next step to fulfil the owners growing connectivity needs. SD is the world’s largest reseller of Jet ConneX and we have exceptional experience in managing, monitoring and delivering the solution. This know-how adds significant value to our customers and ensures we are able to provide enhanced customer support levels, as well as pro-active data security,” said SD President, David Greenhill.

The latest Ka-band upgrade bolsters the existing relationship between SD and Hongkong Jet and is the first in a number of confirmed connectivity upgrades SD will supply to the management company fleet over the next twelve months.

United Kingdom | April 24, 2017– Inmarsat (ISAT:L) is pleased to note that Qatar Airways has today announced its intention to install Global Xpress (GX) Aviation across its flagship fleet.

Qatar Airways would be the first Middle Eastern airline to select GX Aviation’s inflight broadband solution and the company has stated that the service would initially be available to passengers onboard more than 130 of its aircraft.

GX technology has already been equipped on a line-fit basis on selected Qatar Airways Airbus A350s. Installations on the airline’s remaining Airbus A350s, together with the Boeing 777s, are planned to commence on a retrofit basis this Summer.

GX Aviation is the world’s first inflight connectivity solution with reliable, seamless high-speed global coverage provided through a single operator. GX Aviation gives airlines the freedom to provide unique passenger experiences that go beyond basic broadband to include streamed entertainment, advanced inflight shopping, and digital and personalised services that transform airline/passenger relationships.

United Kingdom | December 8, 2016– Inmarsat (LSE:ISAT.L), the world’s leading provider of global mobile satellite communications, has today signed a contract with Arianespace to launch its S-band satellite for the European Aviation Network (EAN) on an Ariane 5 heavy lift launch vehicle. The EAN payload is part of a ‘condosat’ constructed by Thales Alenia Space, which incorporates a second payload for Hellas-Sat. The condosat is scheduled to be launched from the Guiana Space Center in Kourou, French Guiana in mid-2017.

The condosat was originally scheduled for launch with SpaceX. However, following the delay in SpaceX’s launch schedule, Inmarsat and Hellas-Sat took the decision to move the condosat to an Arianespace launch.

Inmarsat will launch Inmarsat-5 F4, a Global Xpress (GX) satellite, with SpaceX. This launch is planned for H1 2017 and Inmarsat is looking forward to continuing to work with SpaceX going forward.

“We are delighted with flexibility that Arianespace has shown in being able to provide a launch slot that enables us to place our European Aviation Network S-band satellite in orbit by mid-2017,” said Michele Franci, CTO, Inmarsat. “This launch schedule supports the introduction of our ground-breaking integrated satellite and air-to-ground network, developed by Inmarsat and Deutsche Telekom, which will deliver a very high capacity broadband Wi-Fi experience for passengers flying throughout Europe.”

• Customer contract follows AERO-SATCOM’s appointment as GX Government Aero VAR

United Kingdom | December 6, 2016– AERO-SATCOM, the joint venture (JV) between Eclipse and NSSLGlobal, today signed an agreement with Inmarsat’s Global Government business unit which sees the JV appointed as Global Xpress (GX) Value Added Reseller (VAR) for the Government Aero market*. With Swift Broadband and Swift 64 distribution agreements previously signed, this latest development allows AERO-SATCOM to work alongside local partners to offer Inmarsat’s high performance Ka-band services. AERO-SATCOM’s first provisioning of aeronautical GX services will be through a local government-focused Inmarsat Service Provider for a fleet of Europe-based head of state aircraft.

The head of state aircraft retrofit begins in December with the service expected to be fully operational from February 2017. AERO-SATCOM will add value to the core GX service by supporting the delivery of onboard solutions developed by Eclipse that provide on-board bandwidth management, bandwidth optimisation and credit card payments for passenger internet access.

Shaun Flanagan, Sales Director, AERO-SATCOM said: “By using its globally available high throughput end-to-end satellite network, Inmarsat’s aeronautical GX Ka-band service brings higher levels of connectivity to aircraft, enabling video conferencing, seamless web browsing, live video streaming and file downloads. However, the aero global government market rarely wants a ‘standard’ package and values the expertise of AERO-SATCOM to add value through custom technologies that help them get the most from their data. Our ability to access a satcom laboratory installation of the aeronautical satcom system that supports Global Xpress gives AERO-SATCOM a big advantage in terms of better supporting customer demonstrations and developing these kind of custom-specific applications.”

Andy Start, President, Inmarsat Global Government, said: “For head of state aviation customers, the aeronautical GX service transforms the in-flight experience by offering a global on-board connectivity service that is secure, reliable and high-speed. AERO-SATCOM, with its perfect blend of experience, expertise and resources, is a key Value Added Retailer for the Inmarsat Global Government team and plays an important role in helping us roll out GX to this highly-specialised market.”

AERO-SATCOM meets the market need for an all-round aeronautical satellite communications company that bridges the gap between two complex industries; the Governmental Aircraft industry and government sector Mobile Satellite Services (MSS). The AERO-SATCOM team has the specialist skills required to meet all the technical, regulatory and commercial aspects of projects when customer requirements develop where these two industries overlap. AERO-SATCOM’s business model is based on creating strong partnerships with companies that can leverage its technical and regulatory skills with exposure to their local government markets.

Dubai, UAE | December 5, 2016– Ahead of MEBAA 2016 Satcom Direct has announced that it is now authorized by Inmarsat’s Global Government Business Unit to provision and resell Inmarsat’s Ka-band Global Xpress (GX) service to global government customers for use in military, head-of-state and other government operations.

Satcom Direct (SD) has been appointed a Value Added Reseller (VAR) for Inmarsat’s GX mobile global broadband satellite network. GX delivers secure, end-to-end wideband connectivity that enables seamless airborne, naval and land operations. During MEBAA 2016 SD will be explaining to delegates why this is an ideal tool for those needing maximum connectivity in conjunction with maximum mobility. GX is a perfect fit for military and head-of-state communications needs.

“SD is honored to represent Inmarsat and to showcase GX and its benefits to the government market,” said David Greenhill, Satcom Direct president. “The high performance of the GX network allows us to deliver tailored solutions which meet complex government, military and VVIP requirements for secure and reliable connectivity.”

Inmarsat Global Government President, Andy Start, said: “We are very excited to add Satcom Direct to our stable of industry-leading companies that provide expertise and service to our government customers with Global Xpress capabilities. Satcom Direct has a long and successful history in the aviation sector and we are keen to work with them in the non-U.S. government sector.”

GX is the world’s first globally available Ka-band mobile broadband satellite network, providing very high bandwidth services to end-users on land, at sea and in the air, delivered through a resilient, secure waveform that is optimised for mobility. It integrates seamlessly with Inmarsat’s current L-band network

SD already is a VAR for the U.S. Government business unit, as well as Jet ConneX, the business aviation version of Inmarsat’s Global Xpress service. SD was the first business aviation communication provider to provision and validate its services over the network.

Melbourne, Florida | May 31, 2016– Satcom Direct was the first business aviation distribution partner to prove its services and transmit data over Inmarsat’s new Ka-band Global Xpress network via the Inmarsat-5 F-1, F-2 and F-3 satellites. Now, it is the first to activate Jet ConneX service for business aviation customers.

Jet ConneX is the high-speed broadband service for business aviation that operates over Inmarsat’s new Global Xpress (GX) constellation. Now available to customers, it delivers a new standard for satellite communications, supporting high data rate applications in flight, including streaming videos and holding video calls. The service is initially available on new aircraft manufactured by Jet ConneX-ready OEM partners.

Satcom Direct (SD) was the first to prove Jet ConneX services over the entire GX network. Now, not only can it provision and activate Jet ConneX aboard new aircraft, its proprietary solutions enhance the Ka-band technology and optimize the service to deliver unmatched performance in the air. SD proprietary technologies manage and maximize bandwidth, improve voice call quality, enable use of personal devices, and more – providing a better Jet ConneX experience for SD customers than is available with other providers. And, all customers receive SD’s 24/7 world-class support.

“We are proud to be the first to make Jet ConneX available to customers. This is an unprecedented opportunity for Jet ConneX-ready aircraft operators to take advantage of the

fastest data speeds available to business aviation,” said David Greenhill, President of SD.

“We congratulate Satcom Direct on this exciting milestone. Jet ConneX is transforming in-flight connectivity for the business aviation industry, offering a reliable, high-speed and global service with Committed Information Rates (CIRs) in all coverage areas, which is an important differentiator in the market,” said Kurt Weidemeyer, Inmarsat VP Business Aviation.

SD is also an authorized GX value added reseller for U.S. government aviation and enterprise markets.

Cedar Rapids, Iowa | April 5, 2016– Air Astana passengers will soon become among the first in the world to experience broadband in-flight connectivity following an agreement recently signed with air transport IT provider, Rockwell Collins.

Internet access will be available using personal computers, tablets and smartphones.

Air Astana will install the associated Inmarsat Global Xpress (GX) high speed connectivity system on its fleet of Boeing 767 airliners commencing in September 2016. This will make Air Astana one of the world’s first airlines in the world to go operational with the GX system.

“As a customer oriented airline, Air Astana is always looking to improve the passenger experience on the ground and in the air. We’re very excited about the new in-flight connectivity opportunities that GX reliably provides to Air Astana passengers,” said Andrey Gulev, Commercial Engineer Manager at Air Astana. “After carefully reviewing a number of competing offers, Air Astana’s decision came down to Rockwell Collins’ ability to provide a cost-effective solution that was tailored to meet all our needs.”

“This GX Aviation service opens up new possibilities for Air Astana and its customers,” said Jeff Standerski, senior vice president, Information Management Services (IMS) for Rockwell Collins. “Air Astana’s passengers will soon experience what only a handful of others around the world will—the fastest and most reliable inflight connectivity available. For Air Astana, this service offers the opportunity to develop new offerings that go far beyond what’s possible today.”

The new service will be available to Business and Economy class passengers on all three of Air Astana’s Boeing 767s. Using their own devices passengers will be able to surf the internet, use various instant messenger applications and check e-mails. First aircraft installation will commence in September 2016 and will be followed by system installation on the other two aircraft in March and September 2017.

• Certification of Honeywell’s first airborne JetWave hardware for Boeing 757 marks start of global, high-speed Wi-Fi revolution

Phoenix, AZ | January 2016– Honeywell Aerospace’s (NYSE: HON) JetWave™ wireless in-flight connectivity system has received U.S. Federal Aviation Administration approval for the Boeing 757. Honeywell’s JetWave is the exclusive hardware for aircraft to connect to Inmarsat’s Global Xpress, the only high-speed broadband satellite network spanning the globe that will provide fast, seamless and reliable connectivity over both land and water.

The certification validates the reliability and capability of Honeywell’s hardware to connect to Global Xpress (GX) Aviation service to provide passengers with the same high-speed Wi-Fi experience they get at home or in the office while traveling at 35,000 feet. JetWave and GX Aviation will enable fliers to have seamless access to onboard Wi-Fi to browse the Internet, check emails, stay connected on social media, watch videos and more, even on transcontinental flights. It also simplifies the path for U.S. government approval for the use of JetWave hardware on other aircraft.

“The ability to connect with others is not a luxury anymore; it’s an expectation of both passengers and pilots alike,” said Jack Jacobs, vice president of Safety and Connectivity at Honeywell Aerospace. “This first commercial certification for Honeywell’s JetWave hardware is a leap forward in making the system available commercially and accelerating access to reliable and fast connectivity for airlines and passengers traveling across the world.”

“Airlines have previously struggled to meet the expectations of modern-day passengers for reliable, efficient, high-speed connectivity on board flights due to the lack of available technology,” said Leo Mondale, president of Inmarsat Aviation. “However, the entry into service of GX Aviation this year will mark an important turning point, allowing passengers in the air to browse the Internet, download files and watch videos online, just as they would on the ground. The certification of Honeywell’s JetWave hardware is a key milestone in the program and we congratulate our partner on this achievement.”

The certification of Honeywell’s JetWave hardware was achieved following more than 180 flight hours and multiple rigorous tests aboard Honeywell’s Boeing 757 test aircraft, which showed that the system would stay connected to Inmarsat’s GX network at various altitudes, angles and speeds, through several different types of weather, and over land and water.

Broader access to onboard connectivity has increased in-flight productivity and completely changed the modern flight experience. With GX Aviation, passengers and pilots will have access to Wi-Fi speeds that bring the same experience using mobile devices aboard aircraft as on the ground.

• EXPLORER 3075 series delivers unmatched performance for media users on Ka-band links

BVE 2016, ExCel London | February 22, 2016– Cobham SATCOM is showing its new series of Portable Manual Deploy Fly-Away VSAT antennas on service provider partner Europsat’s stand (D:31) at the BVE 2016 exhibition in London this week. The EXPLORER 3075 series comes in two variants; a KA-SAT version for EutelSat NewsSpotter and the latest model configured specifically for operation on the new Inmarsat Global Xpress (GX) Ka-band network.

EXPLORER 3075 antennas are built from a firm carbon fibre composite, which ensures high performance, while being extremely portable. All antennas in the series use the same 0.75m 4-piece reflector and materials, delivering a precise blend of lightweight design with strength and durability, ideally suited to the mobile nature of outside newsgathering and broadcasting.

While providing unmatched radio performance and service reliability on Inmarsat’s global and mobile GX satellite service, the new EXPLORER 3075GX variant also offers the flexibility to switch to the established KA-SAT based NewsSpotter service when using an optional ‘field conversion kit’. The possibility for easy switching from Inmarsat GX to NewsSpotter provides flexibility for newsgathering teams to ensure they can access the best available service.

Switching using the conversion kit is straightforward; the user simply changes the antenna feed chain using a ‘bicycle style’ quick release mechanism, meaning no tools or expertise are required. Within minutes, EXPLORER 3075GX can be transmitting on the alternative satellite, ensuring availability of a high bandwidth link to the studio and the Internet.

EXPLORER 3075GX delivers reliable, high quality live streaming/broadcasting in addition to remote videoconferencing and Internet cloud services including voice, radio, data and fax. The terminal has an embedded WLAN Access Point and four LAN interfaces, allowing for multiple wireless and wired connections.

“Like Eutelsat NewsSpotter, the Global Xpress satellite network will become a key resource for outside broadcasting and with EXPLORER 3075GX we have developed a sophisticated antenna system that ensures users can make the most of the high bandwidth Inmarsat’s new service offers,” explains Henrik Noerrelykke, Vice President, Land Mobile Business Development, Cobham SATCOM.

“Because EXPLORER 3075GX shares the same platform as the EXPLORER 3075 with a ViaSat eTRIA configured for the KA-SAT NewsSpotter service, we can offer users a new kind of flexibility that allows them to choose the best available service whilst on location, ensuring their ability to broadcast regardless of environment or service status,” adds Noerrelykke.

The EXPLORER 3075GX weighs approx. 22 kg and is transported in two rugged hard cases. Each case is airline checkable and is easy to carry. The EXPLORER 3075 for KA-SAT weighs approx. 11kg and comes in a single airline checkable rugged hard case.

One company that seems to be a bit quieter about their connectivity solutions is Honeywell but that’s about to change. Last week, they sent out a release about their recent certification from the FAA for their inflight product, JetWave and their STC on a Boeing B757. Significant is their exclusive connectivity hardware for Inmarsat Global Express, high speed, Ka-Band inflight connectivity service.

At higher frequencies like Ka Band (26.5 – 40 GHz), operators can generally obtain more user bandwidth but a lot depends on antenna size & efficiency, users in the space, horizon height, weather, and more. But we digress.

Part of the attraction of JetWave is bandwidth as we just mentioned, but global coverage is another feature and we asked about that feature as well. Finally, we do believe, that the price per downloaded bit will be cheaper than those of lower transmit/receive frequencies… but that remains to be announced by Honeywell or airlines. Stay tuned on this one. If JetBlue’s solution with Thales & ViaSat is any indication, it ought to get interesting and potentially cheaper per bit.

Next, we had a few more questions and Honeywell provided answers for some as follows:

1. IFExpress: How long has this product been in development (antenna) and what new antenna technologies are included?

ANS: “Honeywell and Inmarsat signed a partnership in 2012 for Honeywell to be the exclusive hardware provider for Global Xpress Ka-band network. Honeywell also signed a master services distribution agreement for business aviation with Inmarsat. Since 2012, Honeywell has successfully developed the fuselage antenna for air transport aircraft and tail-mount antenna for business aviation aircraft to connect to Inmarsat’s Global Xpress Ka-band services.”

2. IFExpress: We know you make the antenna, but our readers would be interested in understanding if the Ka Band Amplifier/transmitter/receiver is part of the product line too and is it new?

ANS: “Honeywell is the exclusive hardware provider for Inmarsat’s Global Xpress network. The JetWave system includes the fuselage antenna for commercial airlines, tail-mount antenna for business aviation aircraft, the Modman (modem and terminal), KRFU (frequency converter and amplifier) and KANDU (antenna control and networking unit) hardware.”

3. IFExpress: What is the expected average user data rate (X Mbps)?

ANS: “JetWave and Global Xpress services can provide up to 33Mbps to business aviation aircraft and up to 50Mbps to air transport aircraft.”

4. IFExpress: Besides the test plane, is the unit installed on any other aircraft?

ANS: “There are over 15 different aircraft models/types working on installing JetWave to access the Global Xpress network across commercial, business aviation and government end markets including:

· Honeywell’s Dassault Falcon 900 test aircraft has installed JetWave for flight testing.

· JetWave hardware has been delivered to support the first A350 GX Aviation installation

· Bombardier is currently working on certifying JetWave on their Global Express aircraft”

5. IFExpress: Is Honeywell willing to talk price?

ANS: “Service packages will be defined and managed by Inmarsat and our Value-Added-Resellers (VARs), who bring years of experience in developing and introducing tailored and cost effective connectivity solutions to airlines and their passengers.”

6. IFExpress: As you might know, Gogo had a very successful Press demo of their Ku Band system, are you folks going to do the same?

ANS: “Yes definitely, we plan to demonstrate the system to customers and media in 2016.”

7. Can you talk a bit about the potentially lower data rate costs to consumers?

ANS: “Service packages will be defined and managed by Inmarsat our Value-Added-Resellers (VARs), who bring years of experience in developing and introducing tailored and cost effective connectivity solutions to airlines and their passengers.”

8. IFExpress: We assume the coverage is worldwide?

ANS: “Inmarsat Global Xpress is the first high-speed broadband network to span the world.”

9. IFExpress: Have you tested the Ka system in weather and what did you find?

ANS: “The certification of Honeywell’s JetWave hardware was achieved following more than 180 flight hours and multiple rigorous tests aboard Honeywell’s Boeing 757 test aircraft, which showed that the system would stay connected to Inmarsat’s GX network at various altitudes, angles and speeds, through several different types of weather, and over land and water.”

10. Is the Ka service available over the US today?

ANS: “Inmarsat’s I-5 F2 satellite was launched on 1 February 2015 to deliver regional GX services for the Americas and the Atlantic Ocean Region.”

11. IFExpress: Any customers bought/interested/US and/or overseas?

ANS: “See below:

• Singapore Airlines has selected JetWave and GX Aviation system for their B777-300ER aircraft, followed by its A380-800s.
• Lufthansa announced that GX Aviation has been selected for its short and medium-haul flights – the first Lufthansa aircraft will be fitted with the new technology in early summer 2016
• Qatar Airways has committed to equipping their fleet with GX Aviation through the Thales A350 in-flight entertainment/connectivity program
• Vietnam Airlines selected GX Aviation for its A350 fleet through Inmarsat and Honeywell partners, Thales and Gogo
•  Air China will test GX Aviation on its A330 aircraft
• Airbus is far along in the engineering and certification work to make GX and JetWave hardware option for new aircraft in production across its entire catalog, and numerous certification processes are engaged to ensure GX and JetWave hardware availability for retrofit applications
• Honeywell continues to work with Boeing on its technical services agreement to confirm offerability for Boeing platforms including the 787, 777, and 737NG
• For the business aviation segment, Bombardier has selected GX Ka-band business aviation service for the Global 5000, Global 6000, Global 7000 and Global 8000 platforms
• Haitec Aircraft Maintenance signed an agreement to jointly develop an A319 STC for the corporate jet market

Honeywell is continuing to work with airlines around the globe and aircraft manufacturers to bring JetWave and Global Xpress services to passengers and operators.”

12. IFExpress: What is the biggest market you see for the products?

ANS: “In the coming years the de facto standard for in-flight comfort will be giving passengers the freedom to keep connected even while flying at 35,000 feet and we see this demand around the globe. JetWave and Global Xpress will provide truly global and consistent high-speed connectivity that will be demanded around the world – we see strong opportunities around the globe.”

13. IFExpress: What are some good weblinks for our readers to get more on your products?

ANS: “To learn more about Honeywell’s JetWave hardware, please visit

• https://aerospace.honeywell.com/products/safety-and-connectivity/jetwave-high-speed-satellite-communications-hardware

To learn more about Inmarsat’s Global Xpress network, please visit:

• http://www.inmarsat.com/service/global-xpress/

Finally, Honeywell noted: The important thing to remember about JetWave and Global Xpress is that:

1. Global Xpress is the only global Ka-band network designed around the requirements of mobile assets, including aircraft. It has the ability to keep aircraft connected over land and water and throughout all phases of flight.

2. Inmarsat Global Xpress is the first high-speed broadband network to span the world.

3. It delivers seamless, globally available, high-speed broadband connectivity on land, at sea, and in the air – provided by a single operator.”

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NEWS

A) The folks at RouteHappy developed a great infographic on inflight Wi-Fi: Global State of In-Flight Wi-Fi | Routehappy

B) iPass Inc., a leading provider of global mobile connectivity, announced an agreement with Panasonic Avionics Corporation (Panasonic) to bring inflight Internet access to iPass customers on 23 international airlines. Under terms of the agreement, iPass, which provides convenient, secure, always-on Wi-Fi connectivity on any mobile device, will be available on more than 747 Panasonic-equipped aircraft that fly more than 32,000 routes monthly.

iPass, which has agreements with several inflight connectivity providers, now offers service onboard more than 2,700 aircraft. With this partnership, the company extends its service to passengers on airlines around the world, including Air Berlin, All Nippon Airways, and WestJet.

“Inflight Wi-Fi is critical for our business customers, and our partnership with Panasonic extends iPass’ inflight footprint to many of the world’s leading international carriers,” said Patricia Hume, the chief commercial officer of iPass. “Moreover, the partnership supports our strategy to offer iPass everywhere, so that iPass customers can move from airport to airplane to airport and beyond, with one, seamless, Wi-Fi first, Internet experience.”

“We are dedicated to giving our customers a frictionless Internet experience,” said David Bruner, Vice President of Global Communications Services at Panasonic Avionics. “Our partnership with iPass brings convenient access to Wi-Fi connectivity to our customers through a single service, helping them stay connected.

C) Check out the FedEx blog about ORBIS, the sight saving flying hospital service. Remember that ORBIS is APEX’s official charity. We also mention, SIE, was the engineering firm and system integrator for the entire program. The ORBIS Flying Eye Hospital should be going on its first medical/humanitarian mission in the next 8 weeks or so

D) Also, a good friend, Bob Bogash, has a wonderful website featuring the rebuilding of a an old Boeing B727 with great images – 727 Prototype

E) Lastly, congratulations to Thomas Lee of Zodiac Aerospace who is now Vice President – Product Marketing – Zodiac Cabin.

• Third Inmarsat-5 satellite with new technology will allow global coverage

El Segundo, CA | August 29, 2015– When the third Boeing-built [NYSE: BA] Inmarsat-5 satellite, which is now in orbit, becomes fully operational later this year it will provide the technology and coverage necessary for worldwide high-speed broadband access.

Inmarsat-5 F3 sent signals from space following its launch yesterday on an International Launch Services Proton Breeze M launch vehicle. After reaching final orbit, the spacecraft will undergo testing and checkout before becoming operational.

“The Inmarsat Global Xpress network will be the first high-speed Ka-band broadband network to span the world,” said Rupert Pearce, CEO, Inmarsat. “New technology and engineering design will allow us to steer capacity where it’s needed most and adjust to shifting subscriber usage patterns and evolving demographics over the minimum 15-year life span of the network. We can now look forward to the introduction of global GX commercial services by the end of this year.”

Each of the three Inmarsat-5 satellites use fixed narrow spot beams to deliver higher speeds through more compact terminals. Steerable beams direct additional capacity in real-time to where it’s needed to provide seamless, global broadband communications coverage to Inmarsat users worldwide on land, at sea, and in the air. The first two Inmarsat-5 Global Xpress satellites were launched December 2013 and February 2015, respectively. A fourth Boeing-built Inmarsat-5 (F4) is scheduled for delivery in mid-2016.

“The 702HP (high power) satellite is ideally suited for delivering the advanced capabilities Inmarsat required for this mission,” said Mark Spiwak, president, Boeing Satellite Systems International. “More than 20 of these 702HP spacecraft are in orbit now for customers, including Inmarsat, providing reliable, affordable and innovative service.”

Boeing has a strategic marketing partnership with Inmarsat and currently provides both military Ka-band and commercial Global Xpress services to U.S. government customers. Boeing recently concluded an extensive demonstration program for ten U.S. government customer communities using the Inmarsat-5 F2 spacecraft.

• Comprehensive payload testing now underway

United Kingdom | April 14, 2015– Inmarsat-5 F2 (I-5 F2), the second Global Xpress (GX) satellite, has successfully completed its orbital deployment stages on schedule.

The satellite’s two thermal radiator panels have been successfully deployed and the payload has been switched on marking the beginning of payload testing which will take place from Inmarsat’s GX gateway site in Nemea, Greece. The testing, expected to take three weeks, marks the final phase in the mission for I-5 F2.

“These were the final deployments to be performed, signalling the last significant mission risk for the I-5 F2 spacecraft,” said Michele Franci, CTO, Inmarsat. “Once fully tested, the satellite will be moved into its final orbital location where it will become ready for commercial service. We’re very happy with how the mission has progressed and with preparation already underway for the Inmarsat-5 F3 (I-5 F3) launch and mission, we are even closer to turning GX into a truly global service.”

Together with Inmarsat-5 F1 and F2, the third GX satellite, I-5 F3, scheduled to launch before the end of Q2, will complete the world’s first fully globally available Ka-band mobile broadband satellite network, through one provider, providing high-throughput services on land, at sea and in the air.

• New agreement to bring Inmarsat’s superfast global, mobile broadband service to Chinese users

London | April 1, 2015– Beijing Marine Communication Navigation Company (MCN), a company owned by China Transport Telecommunication & Information Center (CTTIC), has signed four new Value Added Reseller (VAR) agreements with Inmarsat, the leading provider of global mobile satellite communications services, to bring Global Xpress, the world’s first globally available, superfast mobile broadband service, to commercial and public sector organisations across China.

Through the agreements, signed by Inmarsat CEO, Rupert Pearce, and MCN Vice President of Sales & Marketing, Mr. Song Zhen, MCN becomes a Global Xpress Value Added Reseller (GX VAR) in China, covering maritime, aviation, enterprise and Chinese government markets. The two companies will work closely together to launch commercial services for Global Xpress in China at the earliest opportunity.

“From emergency first responders to those delivering remote education (e-learning) services, Global Xpress will bring the benefits of seamless, superfast connectivity to every region in China, while ensuring that Chinese companies – from airlines to shipping fleets – can enjoy the same high capacity service wherever they are in the world,” said Rupert Pearce, CEO of Inmarsat.

“MCN has been a partner for Inmarsat in China for many decades and we are delighted that this relationship is extending to our latest and most powerful satellite communication service; Global Xpress. China is one of the biggest markets for Inmarsat’s mobile satellite-based voice and broadband services, delivering double digit growth in the last five years and we are confident that there will be significant demand for Global Xpress.”

Mr. Song Zhen, Vice President of Sales & Marketing, MCN, said: “MCN and Inmarsat have enjoyed a partnership over many, many years. It is a relationship that is founded on mutual respect and a shared understanding of the beneficial role satellite communications plays in our increasingly connected world. We are delighted to partner Inmarsat in bringing Global Xpress services to the market and believe that, with its many humanitarian, economic and social benefits, Inmarsat’s superfast broadband service will prove highly popular in China.”

Inmarsat and MCN’s relationship dates back to 1979. Inmarsat works exclusively through retail partners in China, including MCN, to provide mission critical communications services to some of China’s biggest multinational enterprises including Air China, China COSCO, China Shipping Container Lines, China National Petroleum Corporation, China Central Television, and Xinhua News Agency.

Global Xpress

Inmarsat is investing US$1.6 billion to build the Global Xpress network, which will initially compromise of three Inmarsat-5 satellites in geostationary orbit above the equator. Global Xpress operates with a combination of fixed narrow spot beams that enable Inmarsat to deliver higher speeds through more compact terminals, plus steerable beams so additional capacity can be directed in real-time to where it’s needed.

Global Xpress is the world’s first superfast, globally available satellite communications network to operate in the Ka-band spectrum. Global Xpress services are designed to integrate seamlessly with Inmarsat’s proven L-band network, and will enable users across the aviation, maritime, enterprise and government sectors to have reliable and assured access to high-throughput communications.

The second Global Xpress satellite was successfully launched on 1 February 2015. The third satellite is scheduled for launch in Q2 2015 and global commercial services are on course to be introduced earlier in the second half of this year.

This may be one of the first places you read about a new-patented PED Pouch – that’s Personal Electronic Device Pouch. While it is just a seatback, portable entertainment device holder, it represents where a lot of future IFE will be coming from – you! Interested? Read about the particulars here. We asked Global’s Todd Hamblin, a few questions that he answered in the next paragraph.

“The PED Pouch is made from the same material as the seat cover. The customer will have the ability to define whether they want leather or fabric along with the color. The surface that you can view your device through is Lexan and it that passes the required FAA flammability testing. We are currently fabricating prototype units to be demonstrated during the Hamburg AIX. The PED Pouch is being developed as a standalone unit that can be sold to airlines, seat vendors or aftermarket seat refurbishment companies. A Velcro strip, if not already present, will need to be sewn into the top of the seat cover. The PED Pouch will come with a mating Velcro strip that will then attach to the seat top and lay over the seat back. For those seats that have a Velcro strip installed so the airline can install head doilies, we will include an extra Velcro strip on top of the PED Pouch so we don’t interrupt the airline process. We have designed the PED Pouch to accept the Microsoft Surface so that all other handheld devices will easily fit. We have also left small openings in the bottom and sides to allow passengers to plug in power to charge or headphones. And yes, Global received a launch customer for the PED Pouch last week and are currently working the certification plan to obtain an FAA project number.” For more information, contact Todd Hamblin +1.513.444.4049 (thamblin@gadc.aero)

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Iridium and Globalstar are in the process of developing some very interesting and new solutions for connectivity and aircraft location capabilities. Iridium’s 66-satellite LEO constellation covers 100 percent of the globe, while Globalstar has 32 LEO satellites in earth orbit. Globalstar has a new Sat-Fi product that enables voice, data and TXT worldwide. Iridium’s Next program, the next generation, will be fully implemented by 2017. Watch for faster aviation data solutions that result in advantages from the upgraded. Iridium Next will have 66 “birds” in Low Earth Orbit, a 9x improvement in throughput and 125x improvement in memory capacity – Ka Band up to 1.5 Mbps and broadcast up to 64 Kbps. As you would expect, with global coverage, ADS-B, seems a real potential and Aireon was formed to help just that. With Aireon, air traffic management organizations worldwide can track an aircraft’s position in real-time, thus minimizing disasters like MH 370. Don’t be surprised if a few more connectivity providers crop up soon for this solution and more inflight/ground Internet and connectivity solution.

Generally, there is also a lot of interest in low earth orbit Internet, as well as, aviation connectivity and much of the desire is based upon the shorter signal transit time for signals to be sent to, and received back from, the source, as we noted above. There may be some crossover in the two solutions, (aviation and Internet) but who knows how it will work out? Google, Facebook, and Elon Musk are names we recently have seen that are interested and have committed money to provide a worldwide Internet solution.

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And speaking of inflight Internet, Eric Tarter sent us this very interesting link: “Thought you might want to read this… very interesting article on O3b and upcoming OneWeb.  Brief mention of this technology to bring much faster (and sounds like less costly) Internet to aircraft.  Also Qualcomm and Virgin Group are big backers of OneWeb.”

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London, 2 February 2015 – Inmarsat announced the successful launch of its second Global Xpress (GX) satellite (Inmarsat-5 F2) on board an International Launch Services (ILS) Proton Breeze M rocket launched from Baikonur Cosmodrome in Kazakhstan yesterday (Sunday 1 February) at 12:31 GMT. Check out the full release.

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The next time you smell cinnamon on an aircraft you might consider that it is not coming from a dessert. Noted Science Daily, “People smelling warm fragrances such as cinnamon feel that the room they are in is more crowded, and feel less powerful as a result,” wrote the authors. “This can lead them to compensate by buying items they feel are more prestigious.” They went on to say, “When people in a room experienced a “warm” scent such as cinnamon, they felt the room was more crowded than when they experienced a “cool” scent, even though the room contained the same number of people each time. The people in the “warm, crowded” room felt less powerful as a result of the perceived crowding, and were more likely to compensate for this loss of power by buying items which they felt were prestigious and which helped raise their personal status.” Hmmm, we just thought about sweet rolls – go figure.

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One reader told IFExpress: “One airline wanted to sell the interior and exterior surfaces of the winglets, both wings, with a Guinness Beer advertisement.  The airline claimed Boeing would get a payback in 18-months. Boeing apparently rejected their inventive offer because they had to pay the composite supplier in cash, not beer.  But the idea was indeed creative.  Now it seems Boeing has hit upon a way to leverage those moving billboards.  See the article: Boeing’s flying Jumbotrons could light up future jetliners with digital advertisements”

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It never crossed our minds that an LED could deliver light and data at the same time, especially without being able to notice the data signals on the light. Harald Haus did and his TED Talk is a real eye opener, especially when you realize that a lot of new aircraft interior lighting is from LED’s.

And while we are on the subject of light and signals, we know this discovery is important. Perhaps, it will even work with the technology we noted in the previous sentence… or not!

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Dateline: Seattle – Boeing Museum of Flight moves planes, readying new covered Air Transport Gallery.

London, England | February 2, 2015– Inmarsat (LSE:ISAT.L), the leading provider of global mobile satellite communications services, announces the successful launch of its second Global Xpress (GX) satellite (Inmarsat-5 F2) on board an International Launch Services (ILS) Proton Breeze M rocket launched from Baikonur Cosmodrome in Kazakhstan yesterday (Sunday 1 February) at 12:31 GMT.

The satellite was correctly acquired by the Inmarsat (Paumalu) ground station at ~18:10 GMT (1 February) and the Inmarsat-5 launch provider, ILS, confirmed a successful spacecraft separation at 04:02hrs GMT (2 February).

Over the coming weeks, the Inmarsat operations team will command the satellite to perform a series of manoeuvres to raise Inmarsat-5 F2 to a geo-synchronous elliptical orbit, while towards the end of the month, the satellite will have completed deployment of its solar arrays and reflectors. This will be followed by the electrical orbit-raising phase, taking the spacecraft to its final geostationary orbit. This is scheduled to be completed by the end of March, ready for the start of payload testing at the beginning of April.

Built by Boeing Satellite Systems International Inc. (“Boeing”) to a proven design (702HP), Inmarsat-5 F2 is part of a US$1.6 billion investment by Inmarsat into the next generation of global mobile broadband communications.

Inmarsat is the owner and commercial operator of the Global Xpress constellation. The fleet of high throughput satellites will offer a unique combination of seamless global Ka-band coverage from a single operator, consistent higher performance, and the network reliability for which Inmarsat is renowned.

Rupert Pearce, CEO of Inmarsat, said: “The successful launch of our second Inmarsat-5 satellite by Proton is a significant step forward on our journey to deliver the world’s first globally available, high speed mobile broadband service. Our first GX satellite entered commercial service in July 2014 and has since been delivering an excellent service to our customers in Europe, the Middle East, Africa and Asia. With Inmarsat-5 F3 expected for launch by Proton in the coming months, we are on schedule to achieve full global coverage early in the second half of 2015.

“This is a great achievement and I would like to pay tribute to the skill and expertise of Inmarsat’s engineering teams and all our employees involved in the design, development, manufacturing, testing and launch. It is their dedication, alongside the outstanding support we have received from our manufacturing and launch partners – Boeing and ILS – which has helped deliver such a successful outcome.”

• Global Xpress will deliver superfast connectivity to the remotest regions in the world – providing up to 100X faster broadband speeds on land, at sea and in the air

London | January 22, 2015– Inmarsat (LSE:ISAT.L), the leading provider of global mobile satellite communications services, will complete another significant milestone in the delivery of its transformational Global Xpress (GX) service with the scheduled launch of Inmarsat-5 F2 (I-5 F2) from the Baikonur Cosmodrome in Kazakhstan at 12.31pm (GMT) on Sunday 1st February.

Inmarsat is investing US$1.6bn in the delivery of Global Xpress, which will create the world’s first globally available, high-speed mobile broadband service, delivered through a single network operator.

Inmarsat’s 5th generation satellites – which form the GX network – have all been built by Boeing Satellite Systems International Inc. (“Boeing”) in California. The launch is being undertaken for Inmarsat by International Launch Services (ILS) using a Proton launch vehicle.

Global Xpress will deliver broadband speeds more than 100 times faster than the company’s fourth generation (I-4) constellation. It will offer new opportunities for end-users, in both the public and private sectors, to significantly enhance their connectivity and to access bandwidth-hungry applications, even in the remotest and most inaccessible regions of the world.

The first Global Xpress satellite – Inmarsat-5 F1 – was launched in December 2013 and entered regional commercial service in July 2014, covering Europe, the Middle East, Africa and Asia. Inmarsat-5 F2, scheduled for launch on 1st February, will provide superfast broadband Global Xpress or ‘GX’ services covering the Americas and the Atlantic Ocean.

Following the launch of the third Global Xpress satellite – Inmarsat-5 F3 – which is scheduled for early Q2 2015, Inmarsat is planning to commence global commercial GX services early in the second half of the year. The new network, which complements Inmarsat’s existing fleet of L-band communication satellites, will deliver seamless, superfast mobile broadband services across the planet.

Rupert Pearce, CEO of Inmarsat, said: “Global Xpress is a truly transformational technology and, as we complete its global roll-out, 2015 promises to be one of the most significant chapters in our company’s history.

“Through Global Xpress, the world can move forward from the ‘Internet of Everything’ to the ‘Internet of Everywhere’, in which high-speed, reliable and secure connectivity is available anywhere and at any time – even in the most inaccessible regions – for customers on the move or to fixed locations. We believe that our new global network will power innovation, support economic development and help transform social services, from education to healthcare, in regions not adequately served – or not served at all – by terrestrial networks.”

Each of the three satellites in the initial GX fleet has 89 beams and six steerable high-power spot beams for multi-regional coverage. The GX satellite weighs 6100kg at launch with a wing-span wider than a Boeing 737. All three have a design life of 15 years.

The I-5 F2 will be launched by ILS on-board a Proton Breeze M rocket.

• Second Global Xpress satellite shipped to Kazakhstan in preparation for 2015 launch

London, UK and Kazakhstan | December 18, 2014– Inmarsat (LSE:ISAT.L), the leading provider of global mobile satellite communications services, has today confirmed that its second Global Xpress (GX) satellite – Inmarsat-5 F2 – has arrived at Baikonur Cosmodrome in Kazakhstan, in anticipation of its launch early in 2015. The satellite left the Boeing El Segundo facility on 16th December, and was flown from Los Angeles International Airport (LAX) to Kazakhstan in an Antonov AN-124 heavy transporter.

Inmarsat-5 F2 is the second of three satellites that will form Inmarsat’s GX fleet, providing seamless, globally available, high-speed broadband services on land, sea and in the air. When in orbit, Inmarsat-5 F2 will cover the Americas and the Atlantic ocean region.

The first GX satellite – Inmarsat-5 F1 – was launched at the end of 2013 and began delivering regional commercial services over Europe, the Middle East, Africa and Asia in July 2014.

The third GX satellite – Inmarsat-5 F3 – has completed its final testing and is now ready for shipping to Kazakhstan in early 2015. F3 will complete the Global Xpress constellation by providing coverage over the Pacific Ocean Region.

GX is scheduled to commence global commercial services early in the second half of 2015.

“The arrival of Inmarsat-5 F2 to the launch site in Baikonur demonstrates that we will be able to offer our high-speed Ka-band service, GX Aviation, early in the second half of 2015,” said Leo Mondale, President, Inmarsat Aviation. “The ground networks are in place and Honeywell will start transmission testing of the airborne satellite communications equipment imminently – we’re right on track to deliver this world-leading global network to our partners and airlines.”

• Inmarsat to deploy EU-wide integrated satellite/air-to-ground network over 30MHz of S-band, to serve rapidly developing demand for aviation passenger connectivity
• British Airways in advanced discussions to be a launch customer

London | June 5, 2014– Inmarsat plc (LSE: ISAT), the world’s leading mobile satellite services operator, today announces its decision to deploy an integrated telecommunications network to deliver aviation passenger connectivity services on a EU-wide basis. To achieve this ambition, Inmarsat confirms its order for a new S-band satellite, to be called Europasat, and expects to complement this satellite with a fully integrated air-to-ground network across the EU.

Inmarsat’s new aviation network will deliver high speed broadband services to commercial and business aviation passengers. These capabilities will be offered alongside Inmarsat’s Global Xpress aviation services, extending Inmarsat’s service coverage for aviation passengers seamlessly across the rest of the globe, and placing Inmarsat in a leadership position in the global in-flight passenger connectivity market. A market that is already both substantial and rapidly growing in North American and which offers exceptional growth potential globally.

Rupert Pearce, Inmarsat’s CEO commented, “North America has seen rapid take-up of in-flight passenger connectivity services, with installation and usage both growing very quickly. The success of the Gogo air-to-ground network has already triggered the building of a second competing network by AT&T, one of the world’s largest telecommunications operators. Independent research predicts that in-flight connectivity services will be a multi-billion dollar revenue sector by 2020.

“We believe that the same in-flight connectivity opportunity exists in Europe and that, with the support of EU telecoms regulators, Inmarsat can rapidly bring to market unique, high speed aviation passenger connectivity services to meet this market demand on an EU-wide basis. A number of European airlines are aligned with this vision and we are absolutely delighted to announce advanced discussions with British Airways to be a launch customer on our new aviation network.”

Kate Thornton, Head of Product and Service at British Airways commented, “British Airways is in discussions with Inmarsat about leading Europe in a new era of broadband in the air. Starting with UK domestic routes Inmarsat intends to deploy Europe’s first ground-based 4G broadband network giving our customers the internet access they expect on the ground while in the air”.

To reduce initial programme costs, Inmarsat and Hellas-Sat, a non-competing European satellite operator, have contracted with Thales Alenia Space for the construction of a satellite on a shared basis such that each partner will retain exclusive rights to a separate payload. Inmarsat’s S-band payload will be called Europasat and the satellite is expected to be delivered for launch at the end of 2016. As a result of the shared payload agreement, Inmarsat’s costs for the manufacture, launch, insurance and operations of Europasat are expected to be approximately $200m or half of what it would have cost to deploy an S-band satellite on a stand-alone basis. The majority of the expected cost will be incurred over a 3-year period.

The aviation network deployment will be enabled by Inmarsat’s existing authorisation to operate integrated satellite/terrestrial communications services in 30MHz of S-band frequencies across the 28 Member States of the EU. Inmarsat has already commenced the licensing process with EU Member States in order to allow timely deployment of the new aviation services. Inmarsat has received strong support for its applications from many EU telecoms regulators and remains confident that, on the back of its substantial financial commitment announced today, a consistent EU regulatory foundation can quickly be completed to support the deployment of these services for the benefit of EU businesses and consumers.

Further investment in the development and construction of the complementary ground component network across the EU, fully integrated with the Europasat satellite, will follow the progression of national level licence approvals and the signing of substantive customer commitments. The total cost to Inmarsat of the further ground network development programme and service deployment is estimated at $200m to $250m and would be incurred over the next six years. In addition to aviation services, Inmarsat expects Europasat to support next generation emergency network services for public protection and disaster relief.

The Rt. Hon. David Willetts, MP, Minister for Universities and Science said: “I am delighted that UK-based Inmarsat is leading the creation of a network to provide airline passengers with in-flight wi-fi. Today’s announcement is an important investment in new infrastructure that will promote productivity and growth in the UK and across Europe. I welcome the fact that this service has been enabled by the EU’s approach to harmonising the necessary spectrum across EU member states. This approach enables companies to build business cases that can deliver Pan-European benefits”.

• Astrium Services and Inmarsat sign a strategic distribution partnership agreement for the game-changing Global Xpress service

• Astrium Services to provide a global distribution channel for Global Xpress, delivering high-speed broadband to partners and customers 

• Global Xpress is the world’s first globally available high-speed broadband service delivered via a Ka-band satellite network. The first Global Xpress  Satellite was successfully launched on 8 December 2013 and Global Xpress is on schedule to achieve full global coverage by end of 2014

London, England | December 19, 2013–Inmarsat (LSE:ISAT.L), the leading provider of global mobile satellite communications services and Astrium, the world’s second largest space company have reached a strategic distribution partnership agreement which will see Global Xpress services made available to Astrium Services’ large partner and customer base.

Astrium Services will deliver Global Xpress high-speed broadband services through its worldwide distribution channels. The strategic agreement will cover key vertical markets, including the maritime, as well as the government and defence sector, initially in Europe. In due course the Astrium Services Global Xpress offering will encompass all service types – packaged services, bandwidth capacity, as well as commercial and military Ka-band.

Inmarsat’s Global Xpress Ka-band satellite network will provide a seamless worldwide broadband service. The first Global Xpress satellite was successfully launched on 8 December 2013 and the company is on schedule to achieve full global coverage by the end of 2014. Astrium Services’ customers will benefit not only from the world’s first globally available mobile broadband network, but also from a comprehensive range of global connectivity services designed for commercial and government markets.

“This agreement is the natural continuity of a long-standing partnership between Astrium Services and Inmarsat,” Evert Dudok, CEO of Astrium Services said. “Astrium Services has been Inmarsat’s number one distribution partner since we acquired Vizada in December 2011. We are eager to continue this strong relationship by bringing the benefits of Global Xpress to our customers using our satcom expertise.”

By adding Global Xpress to its portfolio, Astrium Services will also enable its partners and customers to further enhance their business capabilities and growth.

Rupert Pearce, CEO of Inmarsat said: “We are delighted that Astrium has committed to continue its long and valued partnership with Inmarsat into the Global Xpress era. Global Xpress is going to change the game in mobile satellite connectivity and we are delighted that Astrium Services is joining us in bringing the benefits of the world’s first high speed global broadband service to its impressive portfolio of customers.  Astrium serves an unparalleled range of market segments and, together with their powerful network of service providers, will help make Global Xpress the preferred choice for end-users in those segments, extending and deepening our global business partnership.”

Astrium Services meets specific customer requirements for every sector by combining a complete range of satellite connectivity services with the largest range of innovative solutions. In the maritime industry, Astrium Services covers transportation, leisure and fishing, cruise and ferry, as well as offshore. In the enterprise sector, Astrium Services provides high quality telecom services to land-based customers including oil and gas, mining, large-scale events, non-governmental organisations and large corporate entities worldwide. In the government sector, Astrium Services is the world’s primary private sector military satcom service supplier. Some of the most modern armed forces in the world figure among Astrium Services customers, including UK, France, Germany, USA, and NATO.

December 9, 2013– Inmarsat (LSE:ISAT.L), the leading provider of global mobile satellite communications services, announces the successful launch of first Inmarsat-5 Global Xpress^®satellite. It was launched from Baikonur Cosmodrome in Kazakhstan on 8 December on a Proton Breeze M rocket. The launch is a major milestone in the development of GX Aviation, which will provide the world’s airlines and aircraft operators with the first global high speed mobile broadband service.

Inmarsat is the owner and commercial operator of the Global Xpress constellation. By the close of 2014, the fleet will comprise three high throughput satellites and GX Aviation will offer a unique combination of seamless global Ka-band coverage from a single operator, consistent performance of up to 50Mbps, and the network reliability for which Inmarsat is renowned. In addition to passenger communications, it will support real-time TV and live feeds from the internet, for example, and will offer airlines future-proofed connectivity with ample broadband capacity for growth.

Miranda Mills, Inmarsat President, Aviation said: “We are getting closer and closer to the introduction of GX Aviation. It will revolutionize inflight connectivity for both passengers and crew. The successful launch of this satellite means that we are well on track to providing the world’s first globally available, high speed mobile broadband service in 2015.”

The I-5 satellites are built by Boeing Satellite Systems International Inc., based on the proven 702HP design. Inmarsat-5 F1 is part of a US$1.6 billion investment by Inmarsat into the next generation of global mobile broadband communications.

The satellite was correctly acquired by the Inmarsat Paumalu station at 17:48 GMT on December 8. Over the coming two weeks, the Inmarsat controllers will command the satellite to perform seven chemical burns to raise it to its geo-synchronous elliptical orbit. By the end of December, the satellite will have completed deployment of its solar arrays and reflectors. This will be followed by the electrical orbit-raising phase, taking the spacecraft to its final geostationary orbit. This is scheduled to be completed by the end of January, ready for the start of payload testing at the beginning of February.

The satellite weighed over six metric tons at lift-off and has 89 Ka-band beams. It is designed to generate approximately 15 kilowatts of power at the start of service and, to generate such high power, the spacecraft’s two solar wings – with a similar span to a Boeing 737 – each employ five panels of ultra-triple-junction solar cells.

 

London, UK | December 2, 2013–Inmarsat, the leading provider of global mobile satellite communications services, has confirmed the launch date for the first of its game-changing Global Xpress (GX) satellites; Inmarsat-5 F1 (I-5 F1).

The satellite is scheduled to be launched from the Baikonur Cosmodrome in Kazakhstan aboard an International Launch Services (ILS) Proton Breeze M at 12.12 GMT on Sunday, 8th December.

Constructed by Boeing Satellite Systems International, Inc. (Boeing) to a proven design, the new GX spacecraft is the first of three satellites scheduled to be launched on behalf of Inmarsat by ILS.

Rupert Pearce, CEO of Inmarsat, said: “Global Xpress is the result of three years of planning and, together with a fourth GX satellite we ordered recently from Boeing, represents an investment of US$1.6 billion in our next generation of high bandwidth, high capacity, mobile broadband communications satellites. Global Xpress will ensure our satellite services fully support the current and future needs of end-users across the world – whether on land, at sea or in the air.”

The GX fleet is on schedule to achieve full global coverage by the end of 2014. It will offer a unique combination of seamless global coverage from a single operator, consistent higher performance of up to 50Mbps to mobile or fixed terminals, and the network reliability for which Inmarsat is renowned.

The launch of Inmarsat-5 F1 can be watched live online at http://inmarsat5f1.imgondemand.com/ on8th December 2013.
And to make sure you don’t miss it, you can access our Global Xpress Launch Countdown from here.

The Countdown will also be updated if there is a delay for any reason, keeping you up to date with the new schedule.

• Inmarsat’s new game-changing high-speed satellite will mark the beginning of a new era in satellite broadband communications.

London, UK | December 2, 2013–Inmarsat, (LSE:ISAT.L), the leading provider of global mobile satellite communications services, has confirmed the launch date for the first of its game-changing Global Xpress(GX) satellites; Inmarsat-5 F1 (I-5 F1). The satellite is scheduled to be launched from the Baikonur Cosmodrome in Kazakhstan aboard an International Launch Services (ILS) Proton Breeze M at 12.12 GMT on Sunday, 8th December.

Constructed by Boeing Satellite Systems International, Inc. (Boeing) to a proven design, the new GX spacecraft is the first of three satellites scheduled to be launched on behalf of Inmarsat by ILS.

Rupert Pearce, CEO of Inmarsat, said: “Global Xpress is the result of three years of planning and, together with a fourth GX satellite we ordered recently from Boeing, represents an investment of US$1.6 billion in our next generation of high bandwidth, high capacity, mobile broadband communications satellites. Global Xpress will ensure our satellite services fully support the current and future needs of end-users across the world – whether on land, at sea or in the air.”

The GX fleet is on schedule to achieve full global coverage by the end of 2014.  It will offer a unique combination of seamless global coverage from a single operator, consistent higher performance of up to 50Mbps to mobile or fixed terminals, and the network reliability for which Inmarsat is renowned.

The launch of Inmarsat-5 F1 can be watched live online at http://inmarsat5f1.imgondemand.com/ on 8^th December 2013.

 

London, UK | November 11, 2013– Inmarsat, (LSE:ISAT.L), the leading provider of global mobile satellite communications services, announced that the first of its game-changing Global Xpress satellites – designated Inmarsat-5 F1 – has travelled from California to its launch site in Kazakhstan. The 6,100Kg spacecraft departed from Los Angeles International Airport (LAX) on Saturday 9th November aboard an Antonov AN-124 heavy transporter and arrived at the Baikonur Cosmodrome on Monday 11th November.

The spacecraft was constructed at Boeing’s El Segundo facility in California and is the first of three Global Xpress satellites scheduled to be launched on behalf of Inmarsat by ILS (International Launch Services). Inmarsat-5 F1 is scheduled to be available to support a launch in December from the Baikonur Cosmodrome, located approximately 2,100 km (1,300 miles) southeast of Moscow, by a Proton Breeze M launch vehicle.

A fourth satellite has recently been ordered from Boeing.

“This is an exciting day for Inmarsat and all our partners,” said Michele Franci, Vice President, GX Commercial. “Global Xpress is the result of three years of planning. To see the first of our satellites leave California for Kazakhstan highlights that Global Xpress will soon be a reality. For end users on land, at sea and in the air, Global Xpress will mark a step change in their ability to access high speed broadband services, regardless of where they happen to be.”

Inmarsat’s next generation Global Xpress service will be the world’s first globally available high-speed broadband network. The Global Xpress fleet is on course to meet its scheduled completion and is currently expected to achieve full global coverage by the end of 2014. It will offer a unique combination of global coverage from a single operator, consistent higher performance of up to 50Mbps, and the network reliability for which Inmarsat is renowned.

London, UK | June 27, 2013– Inmarsat (LSE:ISAT.L), the leading provider of global mobile satellite communications services, announced that the first fully assembled Inmarsat-5 satellite has successfully completed mechanical testing at Boeing’s manufacturing facility in El Segundo, CA. The satellite, one of three that will comprise Inmarsat’s new Global Xpress Ka-band broadband network, will move to the next phase of testing as preparations continue for launch later this year.

The recently completed tests included a simulated launch, which was designed to expose the spacecraft to the environmental conditions it will be subjected to during the actual launch.

“This is a very important and significant milestone in the construction and test cycle of the spacecraft as we progress with the test program and move forward to launch day,” said Franco Carnevale, Inmarsat’s Vice President for Satellite and Launch Vehicles. “Exposing the satellite to the realities of the launch experience allows us to know with confidence that it can withstand the real thing.”

During the testing process, a powerful shaker was deployed to simulate the vibrations induced by the rocket’s engine thrust and its ‘cut-off’ at stage separation. Additionally, a concrete reinforced chamber blasted the spacecraft with acoustic waves, much like those which will impact the rocket and its payload during lift-off.

Following the shaking and blasting, all mechanical appendages on the satellite were deployed and tested.

The Inmarsat-5 satellite passed every one of these extremely demanding tests and simulations. It will now move to the next phase, where it will be subjected to the void of space and the large temperature variations it will experience in orbit, which are designed to ensure the satellite can operate reliably for more than 15 years.

The second and third Inmarsat-5 satellites, currently in development by Boeing Space & Intelligence Systems, will endure similar rigorous testing prior to the launch.

“With each passing test, another step in the process is completed and we move forward to launching the satellites that will power the first global Ka-band broadband network over satellite,” concluded Carnevale.

Aircraft Interiors Expo – Hamburg, Germany | April 9, 2013– Thales, a leader in In-flight entertainment and connectivity (IFEC) systems and Gogo, the world’s leading provider of in- flight connectivity, are delighted to announce a new partnership. The relationship will enable airlines to select a highly integrated, powerful IFEC product that combines Gogo’s connectivity solutions with the Thales TopConnectTM cabin system.

Thales and Gogo first partnered to deliver an IFEC solution for a major U.S. airline and are now teaming up to offer line-fit solutions for the global market. The solution will be based on the Thales TopSeries AVANT® platform and will utilize Gogo’s connectivity solutions. Gogo currently offers solutions based on Inmarsat’s Global Xpress Ka-band satellite service, Ku-satellite and Air-to-Ground (ATG) technologies.

The partnership will combine Gogo’s capabilities as an independent service provider and the leader in in-flight connectivity with Thales’ excellence in systems design, architecture, integration and support to bring a unique IFEC experience to airlines and their passengers.

“Gogo has both an excellent track record and a technology that harmonizes extremely well with the Thales IFEC platform. It brings two best of breed capabilities together and will give airlines exclusive passenger experiences with an economical and global connection. This gives us the benefit of accessing satellite based connectivity services through Gogo’s reseller agreements with its satellite partners as well as Gogo’s ATG network where available,” said Alan Pellegrini, President and CEO, Thales USA.

“Gogo is focused on delivering the best experience for airlines and passengers and is looking forward to integrating Gogo connectivity services with Thales’ leading cabin systems,” said Gogo’s president and CEO, Michael Small. “As Gogo continues to expand its global footprint and as we get closer to launch with Inmarsat’s Global Xpress, we see this as a great opportunity to leverage Thales’ international leadership in IFEC platforms.”