Colombia’s Avianca has selected Inmarsat’s GX Aviation solution for inflight connectivity.
Avianca is the first airline in Latin America to offer Inmarsat GX Aviation, a new and advanced solution for inflight Wi-Fi. It means that Avianca’s passengers can browse the internet, stream videos, check social media and more during flights.
To start with, Avianca will offer the service to all passengers on about 125 Airbus A320, A330 and Boeing 787 aircraft and could add it to other aircraft later.
The service should start on some aircraft at the end of 2017.
No financial details are available about the 10-year contract.
Inmarsat now has over 1,200 aircraft installations expected under signed contracts for its IFC services. Recent airline deals include Qatar Airways, Austrian Airlines and Air New Zeakand.
Hernan Rincon, Chief Executive Officer of Avianca:
“Today, technology is one of Avianca’s fundamental pillars. Therefore, and to allow our travelers to be always connected, we have signed an agreement that will enable us to continue advancing in our digital transformation with the support of Inmarsat.”
Leo Mondale, President of Inmarsat Aviation:
“GX Aviation is now live as the most advanced in-flight connectivity solution in the world. It has been specifically designed from the ground up as a seamless and robust service for airlines and their passengers, overcoming the shortcomings of traditional in-flight internet providers. The rapid uptake from airlines is evidence of the market’s confidence, with launch customers signed in key regions such as Europe, the Middle East, Asia Pacific, Australasia and now, Latin America.”
About Avianca
Avianca is the flag carrier of Colombia and is headquartered in Bogotá, Colombia. It has a number of Latin American subsidiary airlines.
Established in Colombia in 1919, Avianca was the first airline in the Americas, and is the second oldest airline in the world.
Routes: the airlines directly service more than 108 destinations in 28 countries in the Americas and Europe (Barcelona, London and Madrid).
Fleet: Avianca currently operates a fleet of over 150 passenger aircraft, comprising:
- 10 Airbus A318
- 30 Airbus A319
- 61 Airbus A320
- 11 Airbus A321
- 8 Airbus A330
- 2 ATR-42
- 15 ATR-72
- 7 Boeing 787
Passenger numbers: 29.4 million passengers in 2016
Alliance: Star Alliance
About Inmarsat
Inmarsat is a British satellite telecommunications company. Based in London, it provides satellite communications solutions to airlines, operators and passengers worldwide. It provides inflight connectivity for the entire aircraft, from voice and safety communications in the cockpit to high-speed, reliable broadband in the cabin.
N.B. Image credit: airbus
