Member Article

BA passengers will soon be watching Netflix in-flight thanks to new Inmarsat partnership

London-headquartered mobile satellite business Inmarsat has announced it has signed a contract with International Airlines Group (IAG), the parent company of British Airways, to provide high-speed in-flight broadband to passengers.

The deal will mean that passengers will soon be able to stream video content, browse the internet and game on their own personal devices while flying on IAG carriers such as Aer Lingus, Iberia and Vueling.

Inmarsat’s European Aviation Network (EAN), which will be operated in partnership with Deutsche Telekom, is the first solution to utilise a satellite data connection in conjunction with the German telecoms firm’s LTE-based ground network.

IAG has said it intends to kit out over 300 of its aircraft with EAN and is aiming to have 90% of its short haul fleet fully equipped by early 2019.

Leo Mondale, President of Inmarsat Aviation, commented: “The rollout of our European Aviation Network, which we are building together with our partner Deutsche Telekom, is progressing at full pace and today’s contract signing with IAG as our launch customer has reinforced once again how Inmarsat’s aviation strategy is coming together.

“Passenger demand for in-flight broadband has never been stronger and Inmarsat’s cutting-edge technology will remain the market’s gold standard for a long time to come.

“We look forward to rolling out this ground-breaking service with Aer Lingus, British Airways, Iberia and Vueling, four of the most iconic brands in commercial aviation.”