• Transaction valued at $550 Million
• Creates a leading provider of satellite-based communications and media content to rapidly growing mobility markets
• Combined company expected to generate pro forma revenue of $660-690 million in 2016
• Annual synergies expected to reach $40 million

Los Angeles, CA | May 9, 2016– Global Eagle Entertainment Inc. (NASDAQ: ENT) (“GEE”) today announced that it has signed a definitive agreement to acquire Emerging Markets Communications (“EMC”), a leading communications services provider to maritime and other mobility markets. The combined company will become a leading provider of global satellite- based communications and media content serving the rapidly growing aviation and maritime markets and select land-based markets. For additional details, please visit GEE’s transaction microsite at GEE-EMC.mobi.

Under the agreement, GEE will pay $550 million for EMC. EMC shareholders will receive $30 million in cash and 6.6 million shares of GEE stock at closing and another $25 million in 2017, which may be paid in cash or stock at GEE’s election. As a result of this transaction, ABRY Partners (“ABRY”), an experienced communications-focused private equity investment firm and the majority owner of EMC, will acquire an equity position in GEE as well as the right to nominate a member to GEE’s Board of Directors. Dave Davis, Chief Executive Officer of GEE, will be CEO of the combined company and Abel Avellan, Founder and Chief Executive Officer of EMC, is expected to serve as GEE’s President and Chief Strategy Officer.
The combined company is expected to benefit from:

• An expanded addressable market and growth opportunities;
• Unparalleled global infrastructure to support customer needs;
• A diversified and balanced revenue mix; and
• Significant network and operational efficiencies.

“This is a transformative acquisition for GEE that significantly expands our addressable market and accelerates our growth opportunities,” said Davis. “EMC’s verticals collectively represent a multi-billion dollar market opportunity with most growing at an annual rate of approximately 15%. Moving into a highly complementary, adjacent market like maritime leverages our existing infrastructure and suppliers to achieve improved efficiencies and cost savings, and provides valuable cross-selling opportunities for our content, digital media and operations solutions

• Global Xpress will serve as the foundation of an integrated global network that can be shaped to fit any airline route system and built upon to meet future demand

Hamburg, Germany | April 5, 2016– Inmarsat, the world’s leading provider of global mobile satellite communications, has outlined its long-term aviation broadband roadmap to ensure that rising demand for fast, reliable and global passenger in-flight connectivity is met for the next five years and beyond.

The launch of Inmarsat’s Global Xpress (GX) Aviation solution this year creates the world’s first high-speed passenger in-flight connectivity solution with seamless, end-to-end global coverage, delivered through a single operator. Engineered to meet the needs of complex and evolving airline route systems, initial airline customers including Lufthansa, Singapore Airlines and Jazeera Airways.

The GX network, which entered commercial service in December 2015 and currently includes three powerful Ka-band satellites, will provide the international bandwidth capacity needed to meet existing and near-term demand from airlines. As part of the aviation broadband roadmap, it also provides a global coverage underlay that will be built upon to meet future demand.

Inmarsat has already committed to a fourth GX satellite, which is completing construction and testing by Boeing and will provide additional network capacity. It has also awarded Airbus Defence and Space a contract to build the first two satellites for its sixth-generation fleet, the first of which is scheduled for delivery by 2020. Uniquely for Inmarsat, the new fleet will feature a dual-payload, with each satellite supporting both Ka-band and L-band services. Based on current services and demand, the Ka-band co-payload will augment the capacity of the GX network over busy air routes and regions, while the L-band capacity supports a new generation of aviation safety services.

Another vital component in the roadmap is Inmarsat’s European Aviation Network (EAN), which will be the first aviation passenger connectivity solution across European airspace to integrate an advanced satellite network and LTE-based ground network; the latter will be operated by Deutsche Telekom. Aircraft will switch automatically between satellite and terrestrial connectivity using an onboard network communicator for optimal service delivery. The first commercial EAN trials are expected in mid-2017.

Leo Mondale, President of Inmarsat Aviation, said: “Inmarsat’s focus on global mobility is unique in the industry and our aviation broadband roadmap will ensure we continue to grow ahead of demand, with the ability to efficiently move capacity where it’s needed, when it’s needed. As a result, our airline customers will benefit from partnering with a highly-focused connectivity provider that is continuously investing to meet the aviation industry’s long-term needs for superior performance and economics.

“This is extremely important, as airlines operate complex and constantly evolving route networks, each with their own unique requirements, and they need to look beyond a short-term answer to in-flight broadband. Inmarsat’s commitment to building on its GX payloads, in addition to the European Aviation Network, underlines the fact that we have the infrastructure, focus and investment power to deliver the ultimate aviation connectivity – now and in the future.”

Airlines will connect to GX Aviation using exclusive new JetWave terminals being produced by Inmarsat partner Honeywell Aerospace. Over 300 passenger aircraft have already committed to installing the system, with more to come. Certification for JetWave is currently underway for 26 different aircraft models across commercial, business aviation and government end markets, with approvals received for the Boeing 757 and Bombardier 5000 and 6000 aircraft in recent months.

Final ground and flight testing is now underway and initial results have successfully validated GX Aviation’s ability to deliver high-speed broadband connectivity to support video streaming and live radio, online conference video calls, multiple file downloads and more over land and water.

Inmarsat is also collaborating with Honeywell Aerospace and Kymeta, a company that develops innovative flat-panel antennas for satellite communications, to produce a new, higher-speed Ka-band wireless antenna. The aviation antenna, which is exclusive to Inmarsat, will have unique capabilities that will bring another step change in faster connectivity and higher quality broadband service to aircraft. In addition, its smaller and lighter flat-panel design will reduce weight and drag on the aircraft, in turn reducing fuel and maintenance costs.

“Our end-to-end solution, including the satellite and ground network, hardware and infrastructure, have been specifically engineered with mobility in mind. And as a single network operator, we can commit to a reliable global service with a uniform high quality of service,” added Mondale.

Hamburg, Germany | April 7, 2016– Inmarsat, the world’s leading provider of global mobile satellite communications, has signed a Heads of Terms (HoT) agreement with Beijing Marine Communication & Navigation Company Ltd. (MCN), which will lead to the creation of a joint venture (JV) to provide aircraft cabin and cockpit connectivity solutions in China’s fast-growing commercial aviation market.

The Inmarsat services that would be provided through the JV include Global Xpress (GX) Aviation and SwiftBroadband-Safety (SB-S). The final agreement is expected to be signed later this year.

GX Aviation will launch this year as the world’s first broadband in-flight connectivity solution with seamless, end-to-end global coverage. Passengers will be able to browse the internet, use social media, stream online videos, download files and more using their smartphones, tablets and other Wi-Fi enabled devices, with a similar quality of service in the air as they would receive on the ground.

SB-S is a next generation cyber secure flight deck communication platform, enabling airlines to meet the ICAO mandate for sub-15 minute tracking of all aircraft, Civil Aviation Authority of China (CAAC)’s four-minute mandate, Automatic Dependent Surveillance and electronic flight bag updates. Combining L-band satellite connectivity with advanced avionics, it delivers speeds 10 times faster than existing Classic Aero services to provide airlines with cockpit communications for the digital age.

Leo Mondale, President of Inmarsat Aviation, said: “China is one of the world’s fastest-growing commercial aviation markets and when the proposed joint venture with MCN is finalised, the new company would provide the country with access to the most advanced cockpit and cabin connectivity solutions available today and in the future.

Inmarsat and MCN already have a successful track record of working together and we congratulate them on the recent milestone of securing their basic telecom licence, enabling legal provisioning of passenger connectivity in China. Extending our long-standing partnership allow us to build on the significant interest that we have received in the market to date, with Air China set to trial GX Aviation this year.”

Song Zhen, Vice President of Sales & Marketing for MCN, said: “Together, Inmarsat and MCN have been supporting important developments in the Chinese aviation industry for some time. Air China, for instance, operated the country’s first flight equipped with in-flight connectivity in 2013, using Inmarsat’s SwiftBroadband to power the service on board its Airbus A330 between Beijing and Chengdu. With the introduction of next generation solutions, such as GX Aviation and SwiftBroadband-Safety, it is the perfect time to strengthen our partnership with a joint venture that is committed to ensuring China has access to the latest connectivity technology.”

MCN has been an Inmarsat partner since it was founded by China’s Ministry of Transportation in 1979. It unveiled an initial framework for the aviation joint venture with Inmarsat last year, while signing an agreement to bring the high-speed GX connectivity service to commercial and public sector organisations in China’s maritime, enterprise and government markets.

Inmarsat’s relationship with China dates back to its foundation in 1979 as an international, intergovernmental organisation, providing global safety and distress communications services for the maritime community. Today, China is one of the fastest growing markets for Inmarsat’s mobile satellite-based voice and broadband services, delivering double-digit growth in the last five years.

Catering to the unique requirements of the Chinese market, Inmarsat has an office and demonstration lab in Beijing, equipped with various terminals and solutions to support product demonstrations and end-user training. A satellite access station, owned and operated by MCN, is also located in the capital and exclusively handles all traffic from China over the Inmarsat network.

Last year, Inmarsat welcomed the President of the People’s Republic of China, Mr Xi Jinping, to its London headquarters as part of his historic State Visit to the UK, reflecting the close working relationship between Inmarsat and China. President Xi viewed Inmarsat’s Network Operations Centre to understand how the company is able to uniquely contribute to China’s One Belt One Road (‘OBOR’) strategic vision through the provision of critical global mobile broadband connectivity services, including the revolutionary new GX service.

• Cobham SATCOM Teams Up with Network Innovations, Inmarsat and TV2 to Demonstrate New Satcom Tech and Services at IBC 2015

Lyngby, Denmark | September 7, 2015– Cobham SATCOM, manufacturer of the highly-regarded EXPLORER brand of satellite terminals is teaming up with service provider Network Innovations, Satellite Network Operator Inmarsat and Danish broadcaster TV2 at IBC 2015. Reflecting the importance of partnerships, the quartet of satcom innovators will demonstrate a diverse new wave of hardware, Ka- and Ku-band VSAT services and innovative new L-band solutions, all with the potential to revolutionise outside broadcasting.

Mounted on a Mercedes GLK, the brand new EXPLORER 8100 VSAT terminal will form the centrepiece of Cobham SATCOM’s IBC presence, outside on stand #0.G04. As the world’s first and only Stabilised Auto-Acquire Drive-Away antenna, the new EXPLORER 8100 VSAT overcomes the challenges of vehicle movement for land ‘Comms-On-The-Pause’ users. It is especially relevant for the growing population of small and rapidly deployable outside broadcast production teams. Transmitting live from the RAI in Amsterdam, Cobham SATCOM will demonstrate how the unique stabilisation technology of EXPLORER 8100 VSAT can maintain consistent link conditions on Eutelsat’s Ka-band NewsSpotter service provided by Network Innovations (2.A46), even with people getting in and out of the car.

“When a traditional terminal on a stationary vehicle connected to a Ka-band satellite moves due to the car rocking, it’s likely that the link will be lost or degraded. We welcome visitors to challenge the stabilisation performance of the EXPLORER 8100 VSAT at IBC,” explains Henrik Nørrelykke, VP Land Business, Cobham SATCOM. “Our extensive experience in designing sophisticated stabilisation systems for use in Cobham SATCOM’s world renowned maritime antennas came in handy when we decided to address this very real everyday challenge facing mobile news gathering teams.”

In parallel to demonstrations on EXPLORER 8100 VSAT, Cobham SATCOM will conduct live demonstrations on the Inmarsat Global Xpress service, using the new EXPLORER 5075GX Auto-Deploy Fly-Away VSAT antenna solution. Featuring a highly robust design, developed 100% in-house, EXPLORER 5075GX was the first antenna to transmit live on the Global Xpress service and has already been used in the field by a major broadcaster covering the earthquake in Nepal this April. Cobham SATCOM will be transmitting live from its booth outside to the Inmarsat booth inside (2.B19) using its sophisticated antenna. EXPLORER 5075GX utilises a new 75cm 4-segment reflector and along with the EXPLORER 3075GX is the only Global Xpress terminal available that includes integrated Wi-Fi.

Cobham SATCOM will also demonstrate live Inmarsat BGAN HDR bonding, using a satellite link from its booth to the Inmarsat booth. HDR bonding is a relatively new development, where two BGAN terminals can be combined to double the live streaming and data transfer throughput on the BGAN service. In-use, the system can deliver a guaranteed Quality of Service over 1 mbps; enough capacity to stream high quality footage, from a hardware package compact enough to fit in a backpack.

Cobham is also highlighting the extraordinary potential of IP connectivity. Working together with Danish broadcaster, TV2, a Mercedes GLK will be transformed into a fully functional studio with equipment such as cameras and lights controlled remotely over IP. This concept has already been tried and tested in a Tesla electric car during the Danish general elections in June this year, where TV2 handed the vehicle to Danish politicians driving between campaign sites while debating current issues on the way. The broadcaster generated high quality election news footage from the car, with no production staff present during filming.

“TV2’s approach to remote control of studio technology reflects the fact that the potential of IP communication to transform the efficiency and quality of outside broadcasting is only limited by the imagination. Of course, this is only if you can be confident of a stable terrestrial or satellite communications link to enable reliable control, which is why Cobham SATCOM is very keen to help develop such concepts with TV2 and our service provider partners,” adds Nørrelykke.

• 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.

• Transparency Market Research Report Added “In Flight Entertainment and Communication Market” to its database.

Albany, NY | March 20, 2015– The history of in-flight entertainment and communication can be traced back to the first movie, Howdy Chicago, shown on Aeromarine Airways in 1921. It was only after the 1960s that the in-flight entertainment and communication market received a huge momentum. After this period, modes of in-flight entertainment progressed from reading to audio visual forms too. Over the years, airlines have transformed the way they offer in-flight entertainment from overhead television monitors that would play movies in a loop from a huge library of content for long-haul flights, where passengers can sit back and be absorbed in passive entertainment until they reach their destination.

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Adoption of Newer Technologies

Analysts predict that the future of the in-flight entertainment and communication market will soar to newer heights in the coming decades. Some of the key players in the in-flight entertainment and communication market are looking at ways to embed gesture controlling technology in several in-flight entertainment systems to make the experience even more enriching. Such a technology would mean that passengers don’t have to move an inch to hit the pause button before interacting with the air stewardess. Movement of eyes would be a good enough gesture for the smart touch-screen television monitors to understand that the passenger is no longer viewing the video. The global in-flight entertainment and communication market is primarily driven by adding the wow factor to premium air flights for the passengers and thereby increasing sales to earn more profits.

Smartphone Enabled In-Flight Entertainment and Communication

Engineers and product designers are also trying to turn handheld devices such as phones and tablets as remote controls for in-flight entertainment devices. For instance, the June 2014 update for the iOS app allowed passengers to view 150 films and more totally free on iPhones and iPads. To support this feature, airlines are adding charging units to keep the devices powered, thus creating an innovative perspective towards the channel of entertainment.

Harnessing Smartphone Addiction of Passengers

The in-flight entertainment and communication market is also looking to tap into the smartphone addiction of passengers even when they are 30,000 feet high in the air. Allowing the passengers to stay connected to the loved ones or business associates on the ground would completely revolutionize this markeirt for good, truly making the sky its limit. This would also answer to the need and ability of people to multi-task just as they do everyday like watching TV, surfing the Internet, taking and sending pictures, and sharing information.

Attempt at Reaching Reality with In-Flight Entertainment and Communication Devices

The key components of global in-flight entertainment and communication market are audio entertainment, video entertainment, mobile telephony, and Wi-Fi. The audio and video entertainment segments include libraries of movies, podcasts, videos, and music. Wi-Fi and mobile telephone segment include communication media that permits passengers to stay connected with those on the ground. As the competition gets stiffer in the aviation sector, airlines are devising new ways to offer more and more benefits of being entertained and informed while on a flight. Offering an experience that does not really disconnect passengers from the reality of their homes and offices will be the key to creating a successful in-flight entertainment and communication market.

Some of the key players in the in-flight entertainment and communication market are Panasonic Avionics Corporation, Thales Group, Rockwell Collins, and Live TV. According to research analysts, harnessing the vast network of business class passengers is the key to making it big in this business. Airlines and in-flight entertainment and communication device manufacturers will have to look at luring in frequent business class travelers to earn their desired return on investments.

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• Phasor’s ultra thin, phased array antennas optimized for the Intelsat EpicNG® platform will enable high performing, cost efficient Ku-band broadband connectivity; offering service providers and aircraft operators catering to civil and government small-jet markets greater access, flexibility and choice for their broadband connectivity needs in the sky

Luxembourg and Washington DC | March 16, 2015– Intelsat S.A. (NYSE: I), the world’s leading provider of satellite services, today announced the completion of a series of tests demonstrating the compatibility of the Intelsat EpicNG digital payload with existing ground equipment platforms. The digital payload is one of many unique design features on the company’s Intelsat EpicNG satellites, the first of which, Intelsat 29e, is scheduled to launch in the first quarter of 2016.

Building upon the company’s recent investments in innovative antenna technology and platforms, Intelsat S.A. (NYSE: I), the world’s leading provider of satellite services, announced today that it signed an agreement to co-design and produce an ultra-thin, active phased array, Ku-band satellite antenna solution with Phasor Inc., a leading developer of high throughput, modular, electronically steerable antennas (ESAs).

The innovative Ku-band antennas will be developed exclusively for Intelsat and optimized for the Intelsat EpicNG high throughput satellite (HTS) platform, the first satellite of which is expected to launch in the first quarter of 2016. This also marks the first cost-effective fuselage-mount Ku-band antenna suitable for installation on civil and government small-jets, which represent an underserved segment of the fast-growing aviation broadband market.

According to recent research reports, the civil and government small-jet markets are expected to experience significant growth, particularly in the developing markets around the world. EuroConsult reports: “The number of business jets is expected to grow from 18,400 in 2013 to 26,200 in 2023.” Seventy-five percent of civil small-jet passengers are high-level corporate executives who consider these aircraft “offices in the sky” with a need for broadband service that is as important in the air as it is in the workplace on the ground. When used in conjunction with Intelsat EpicNG Ku-band satellites, the Phasor antenna technology is expected to enable broadband speeds to small-jets of over 15Mbit/s to the aircraft and 5 Mbit/s from the aircraft.

Stephen Spengler, Intelsat’s Deputy Chief Executive Officer, said, “The high power of the Intelsat EpicNG platform combined with Phasor’s innovative antenna technology will unlock new market opportunities for both companies in the aviation sector. Today’s business and leisure travelers are demanding broadband connectivity in-flight in order to maximize their time and productivity so that they can keep up in today’s fast moving environment. Together, Intelsat and Phasor will provide service providers and aircraft manufacturers with more flexibility and choice as we help deliver high-speed broadband connectivity to passengers and aircraft operations that is efficient and highly reliable.”

Phasor’s ultra-thin, fuselage-mount active array antenna is expected to deliver significantly higher broadband speeds to civil and government small-jets via Intelsat EpicNG Ku-band satellites. The antenna’s small size and low profile allows for easy integration onto small-jet aircraft’s structure. Being fully electronic, the antenna will be able to seamlessly and reliably steer to beams on Intelsat’s global Ku-band satellite fleet. The unique size and scalability of the Phasor antenna will allow service providers and aircraft operators to create a very high gain antenna array and RF performance resulting in dramatically higher speed broadband connectivity and greater geographical coverage at a much lower installation and operating cost.

• New voice and data service enabled by Iridium NEXT satellite constellation

Cedar Rapids, Iowa | February 27, 2015– Rockwell Collins has entered into an agreement with Iridium Communications Inc. to be a value-added manufacturer (VAM) for Iridium CertusSM broadband terminals. As a VAM, Rockwell Collins will design and manufacture the terminals, which will enable users to utilize Iridium Certus, the voice and data service enabled by the Iridium NEXT satellite constellation.

“Through this agreement with Iridium, we’ll be able to deliver high-speed flight deck connectivity to meet the growing connectivity needs of our customers,” said Steve Timm, vice president and general manager, Air Transport Systems for Rockwell Collins. “We also see the potential to offer services through our ARINC information management services, giving customers a single source for their Iridium NEXT connectivity needs.”

Rockwell Collins delivers flexible, highly reliable, cost-effective connectivity solutions for airlines and business aircraft around the globe. These solutions include safety services as well as value-added applications that optimize and expand capabilities for aircraft operators and passengers.

“Rockwell Collins is a true pioneer and leader in aviation communication solutions, continually pushing the envelope to provide innovative solutions for both aircraft operators and OEMs alike,” said Bryan Hartin, executive vice president, Sales and Marketing, Iridium. “Additionally, their excellent global distribution channels support Iridium’s long-term strategy to offer best-in-class products and services while staying true to our wholesale distribution model.”

The first launch of Iridium NEXT satellites is scheduled in October 2015.

Viera, FL | December 17, 2014– Satcom Direct, the leading provider of satellite communications products, training and support services, has expanded its capabilities by launching a new data center solutions provider, TerraCom Direct.

“Information security is a huge issue for businesses and individuals. Our new data center is the key to safeguarding connectivity and communications streams, and better securing the missions of our customers. Satcom Direct and TerraCom Direct customers can have enterprise level security for air, land and sea,” said Jim Jensen, CEO and Founder of Satcom Direct.

The facility not only hosts and protects clients’ critical business technology systems and information, it secures Satcom Direct aviation, maritime and terrestrial-based services. Whether data traffic is generated in the air, on the ground, or on the water, TerraCom Direct is constantly monitoring in an effort to detect and report potentially malicious activity to customers.

TerraCom Direct creates highly-secure solutions designed to meet client specifications and corporate security requirements. All security policies are in accordance with SSAE 16 and FISMA recommendations and the operation is SSAE 16 SOC 1 type 2 compliant. TerraCom Direct was built to accommodate a wide array of network requirements – whether hosting, power, cooling, or security, all can be scaled to meet changing demands.

“The key advantage we have over other data solution providers is flexibility. We offer a wide range of connectivity options, so whether the client simply needs rack space, a private network, or full migration to the cloud, we have the expertise and the capabilities. With our highly-redundant infrastructure and 24/7 support, we do everything possible to ensure 100 percent uptime and uninterrupted service,” said Rich Pilock, president of TerraCom Direct.

The big deal this week is the announcement from AT&T on Sunday that they are no longer courting the inflight Wi-Fi business, and we all wondered when it was going to happen. Lets face it, Gogo has the US market sewed up for years and we only wondered when AT&T was going to come to the same conclusion. While their LTE solution might have been a bandwidth improvement, we seem to remember that they had to work with other providers to rent space on their towers. Faced with the choice of teaming or acquiring, they folded their cards. That plus aircraft equipment costs must have generated a long-term profit quandary. Our insiders reported just that… it’s a bad deal from the cost of getting into the business. Today, Gogo stock price is up at $18.19 per share. Enough said!

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Through the new ARINCDirect, Rockwell Collins will offer its more than 3,500 flight support services customers (BizJet) around the globe the latest in intuitive flight planning using state-of-the-art online and mobile platforms; award-winning regional and international trip support; comprehensive weather services; a full spectrum of cabin connectivity options; and flexible and integrated flight operations and scheduling services. They highlighted their new ARINCDirect at the company’s eNBAA exhibit, which featured a number of new services and capabilities, some of which we may eventually see in commercial aviation including: New extensions of Rockwell Collins’ Flight Operating System (FOS) that will promote new levels of integration between the ARINCDirect application and the flight scheduling and operations management software. Their latest connectivity capabilities to help keep the cabin and crew connected in-flight, an innovative tankering feature to help business aviation operators better manage fuel costs, and an integrated weight and balance/performance feature in the ARINCDirect iPad app Moving forward. A company spokesman said that Rockwell will focus on key enhancements to the portfolio that will make the passenger experience as seamless as home and office environments, and enable operators to manage their business as effectively as possible. “We’re looking at further integration of our ARINCDirect services with our cabin and flight deck offerings,” he said. “We also see great potential in analyzing the data that crosses our network, for individual aircraft or across a fleet, to improve efficiency and productivity. With the new ARINCDirect, Rockwell Collins is uniquely positioned to provide our business aviation customers with services for the flight deck, cabin, back office and everywhere in between.” Now, IFExpress wonders when similar offerings will be made to the commercial airline community? Lastly, we note that Rockwell Collins recently announced it is teaming with China-based airline seat maker Hubei Ali Jiatai to install PAVES On-demand. The two companies have entered into a memorandum of understanding to achieve technical offerability for the complete IFE seat solution on Next-Generation Boeing 737 aircraft.

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We heard from Charlie Pryor about the latest Inmarsat construction effort. As the leading provider of global mobile satellite communications services, today announced that it has completed construction of the final four satellite access stations (SAS) for its Global Xpress (GX) fleet. This represents a significant milestone in the rollout of GX, the world’s first, global high-speed broadband Ka-band network, which is scheduled for global commercial service introduction early in the second half of 2015. GX Aviation will deliver 50Mbps broadband connectivity to both commercial and business aircraft. It is the only Ka-band network to provide consistent global coverage. The new GX stations are located in Lino Lakes in Minnesota, USA; Winnipeg in Manitoba, Canada; with two sites near Auckland, New Zealand. Two further stations – in Fucino, Italy and Nemea, Greece – are already operational, servicing the first Global Xpress satellite that covers the Indian Ocean region. All six GX SAS will act as gateways between the broadband traffic routed via the three Inmarsat-5 (I-5) satellites and terrestrial fixed networks. Each SAS delivers full ground segment redundancy for GX services, delivering highest quality resiliency, reliability and availability, for example at times of adverse weather, and offering a powerful differentiator to traditional regional Ku-band networks.

Inmarsat has been providing GX services to government customers in the Indian Ocean region since 1 July 2014 and GX Aviation is on track to be available for airlines from mid-2015. “Completing our ground network is an important step in rolling out our global GX service, which is on course to be in service by early in the second half of 2015,” said Leo Mondale, President, Inmarsat Aviation. “The inflight connectivity market is growing rapidly, with passengers around the world increasingly expecting to be connected when they are flying. And they want a comparable level of service to what they are used to on the ground. It is paramount airlines have access to high speed and high capacity connections that provide the same reliable service wherever they fly across the world. GX Aviation is the only global network that can provide seamless, high capacity Ka-band connectivity fit for purpose for airlines. The launch of GX globally in 2015 is perfectly timed to meet passenger and airline demand.”

The first satellite in the GX constellation I5F1 was launched late 2013. The remaining satellites are expected to be launched early in 2015.

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If you keep up with BizJet new cabin technology, you know Flight Display Systems is a market leader and David Gray is the guy that made it happen… now as it happens, they have been sold: “Flight Display Systems, a leading developer and manufacturer of cabin management systems, in-flight entertainment solutions, and special mission military displays, today announced that it has been acquired by Harbert Private Equity Fund III. Reed Macdonald has been appointed Chief Executive Officer. The acquisition will fuel continued growth, expand engineering and production capabilities, and further enhance partner relationships.”

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In the past, we have shared Giame Porcu’s of Thales trade show/event observations because he always has something to say, and yes, he does have a slight bias, but read beyond that… if you did not get to China’s Zuhai Air Show, it is an interesting update.

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Bits & Pieces

Each year we like to look at this SpeedNews product to see what and when it is happening in the industry – it is very good and useful for your 2015 scheduling.

Think you know about radiated emissions? Take this test and see

IFExpress ran into Beth de Young (past CEO, Zodiac Lighting Solutions/IDD) at AIX and note that she is now in a new “Corporate” job as Vice President, Business Development, Lease Customers. Her previous role is now occupied by Mr. Thierry Despres, CEO Zodiac Lighting Solutions.

If you like aircraft at airshows, stunt planes and guitars (in that order), you will like this video!

Looking for the fastest inflight Wi-Fi? Look no further The Challenge of Finding the Fastest In-Flight Wi-Fi – Skift

Luxembourg | October 16, 2014– Intelsat S.A. (NYSE: I), the world’s leading provider of satellite services, today announced that an Ariane 5 vehicle successfully launched the Intelsat 30 satellite, which is hosting the DLA-1 payload for DIRECTV Latin America from French Guiana. Liftoff occurred at 5:43 p.m EDT. The Intelsat 30 satellite, hosting the DLA-1 payload, separated from the rocket’s upper stage 28 minutes after launch, at 6:12 p.m EDT, and signal acquisition has been confirmed.

Built for Intelsat by Space Systems/Loral (SSL), Intelsat 30 is a 20-kilowatt class Ku- and C-band satellite. The Ku-band payload, known as DLA-1, is designed to provide distribution services for DIRECTV Latin America in South America and the Caribbean.

The C-band portion enhances Intelsat’s existing C-band service infrastructure serving Latin America. The satellite will be co-located with Intelsat’s Galaxy 3C satellite at 95°W and is expected to have a service life of more than 15 years.

“The Intelsat 30 satellite, and its DLA1 payload, demonstrates the close collaboration and continuing strong relationship between DIRECTV Latin America and Intelsat,” said Intelsat Chairman & CEO Dave McGlade. “We look forward to helping DIRECTV Latin America deliver reliable, high quality entertainment to their subscribers throughout the region.”

Intelsat 30 marks the first of two new hybrid C- and Ku-band satellites, for which the Ku-band payload will provide services to DIRECTV Latin America. The second satellite, Intelsat 31, is scheduled for launch in the second half of 2015.

Boeing To Provide System Integration And Testing Support For Next-Generation Satellite Network

SPRINGFIELD, Va., June 9, 2011 — The Boeing Company [NYSE: BA] announced today that it has received a contract from Thales Alenia Space to provide system integration and testing support for Iridium NEXT. Iridium NEXT is the next-generation satellite constellation being designed, built and launched by Iridium Communications Inc. (Nasdaq: IRDM). Thales Alenia is the prime contractor for Iridium NEXT.
This long-term contract, extending through 2017, allows Boeing to continue its strong partnerships with both Thales Alenia and Iridium. In July 2010, Iridium also announced that it extended its long-term relationship with Boeing for satellite network operations support for the current Iridium constellation as well as Iridium NEXT.

“Boeing looks forward to working closely with the Thales Alenia team on the Iridium NEXT program,” said Sparky Olsen, director of Mission Operations for Boeing. “This partnership ensures the continued high-quality performance that the Iridium network delivers, as well as a seamless transition to Iridium NEXT in the coming years.”

The Iridium satellite network is the world’s farthest-reaching communications network and the largest commercial satellite constellation in existence today. Iridium is the only provider of truly global voice and data communications services. Boeing has maintained the software and managed Iridium satellite operations for more than 10 years. Iridium NEXT will seamlessly transition Iridium customers to the benefits of the company’s planned enhanced satellite services and capabilities.

Under this new contract, Boeing will work with Thales Alenia to provide support for the system integration and testing of the Iridium NEXT satellites. Boeing’s Mission Operations group, out of its Chandler, Ariz., and Leesburg, Va., locations, will support this program.

“The Thales Alenia Space Project Team worked alongside Boeing’s Mission Operations during more than two years when competing to win the Iridium NEXT program,” said Philippe Aucher, program director, Iridium NEXT, Thales Alenia Space. “There was absolutely no questioning of the incredible technical achievement, high professionalism, and total commitment of Boeing’s Mission Operations team operating Iridium Block 1. Having Boeing’s Mission Operations as part of the Thales Alenia Space team is essential to secure the system integration and test for our customer’s program, and we are proud to welcome them as a key member of our industrial team.”

“Iridium can deliver and extend its unique network strengths only by having the very best industry team in place to build and support Iridium NEXT,” said Scott Smith, executive vice president, Satellite Development and Operations, Iridium. “Building on this long-standing and successful working relationship with Boeing is very important to Iridium and its growing customer base.”

A unit of The Boeing Company, Boeing Defense, Space & Security is one of the world’s largest defense, space and security businesses specializing in innovative and capabilities-driven customer solutions, and the world’s largest and most versatile manufacturer of military aircraft. Headquartered in St. Louis, Boeing Defense, Space & Security is a $32 billion business with 65,000 employees worldwide. Follow us on Twitter: @BoeingDefense.