Mobile satellite services operator Inmarsat is set to deploy an integrated telecommunications network to boost broadband connectivity services for aviation passengers in the EU.

As part of the plan, the company has confirmed its order for a new S-band satellite, which will be called Europasat, and aims to complement it with a fully integrated air-to-ground network across Europe.

The new aviation network will enable Inmarsat to deliver high-speed broadband services to commercial and business aviation passengers alongside its Global Xpress aviation services, a move that will strengthen the company’s position in the global in-flight passenger connectivity market.

"The new aviation network will enable Inmarsat to deliver high-speed broadband services to commercial and business aviation passengers alongside its Global Xpress aviation services."

Inmarsat CEO Rupert Pearce said North America has seen rapid take-up of inflight passenger connectivity services, with installation and usage both growing very quickly.

"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," Pearce noted.

British Airways Product and Service head Kate Thornton said: "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."

Investment in the development and construction of necessary ground component network across the EU, fully integrated with the Europasat satellite, will be announced depending on the progression of national level licence approvals and the signing of substantive customer commitments.

Inmarsat’s total investment in the further ground network development programme and service deployment is estimated at $200m-$250m and would be spent over the next six years.

Defence Technology