Inmarsat unveils ‘fastest ever’ IFC plans
May 23, 2023
Communications provider Inmarsat has announced the next chapter of its Jet ConneX (JX) inflight broadband solution, introducing a new range of service plans which it says will redefine gold standard connectivity in the business aviation market and satisfy even the most data-hungry users for many years to come.
Launched as part of Inmarsat’s JX Evolution programme, these latest service plans are now available for new and existing customers to order, which it claims marks a step-change in performance that is backed by guaranteed speeds and Inmarsat’s hallmark consistent customer experience.
The new service plans offer enhanced performance using Jet ConneX’s existing JetWave terminal by Inmarsat’s partner Honeywell, and will also be compatible with three upcoming next-generation terminals being developed by Satcom Direct, Orbit and Honeywell. Satcom Direct’s Plane Simple Ka-band system has commenced flight testing and is expected to enter service later in 2023.
All three next-generation terminals use innovative technology and lightweight designs to optimise performance, reduce costs, and simplify installation and maintenance. Their reduced size and weight make them suitable for various types of business jets, creating new opportunities in the fast-growing super midsize aircraft market, which shares many of the same connectivity requirements as large aircraft.
Jet ConneX customers will also benefit from seven more Inmarsat satellite payloads entering service by 2025, increasing its Ka-band network fleet to 12. This includes two Inmarsat-6s, both of which have already launched, followed by two payloads in highly elliptical orbit, enabling the world’s only commercial mobile broadband service for flights in higher latitudes and across the Arctic. Three additional satellites will then launch in geostationary orbit, adding further speed, capacity, and resilience.
The combination of next generation terminals and Inmarsat’s fast-growing satellite network will enable speeds up to 100 Mbps, for top tier customers that demand the highest level ‘office-in-the-sky’ experience.
The new Jet ConneX service plans are available through Inmarsat’s global business aviation distribution network, which consists of Satcom Direct, Collins Aerospace and Honeywell.
“Jet ConneX is renowned for delivering a very high standard of service and these transformative new plans once again highlight Inmarsat’s continued focus on staying ahead of market expectations,” stated Kai Tang, Inmarsat’s Head of Business Aviation. “This provides customers with reassurance that our connectivity will keep pace with their long-term needs. Importantly, as these include the first plans to use our new satellites and terminals, it also offers a glimpse into future capabilities and provides certainty that their investment in our technology is future-proofed.”
“These service plans have been specifically designed to deliver even greater value and performance based on unique insights into usage of our inflight broadband service. This build-up approach is unique to Inmarsat and cannot be replicated by others in the market, some of which have a tendency to over promise and under deliver, either from the start or as their networks fill and performance degrades. Crucially, this is only the next step for us. We will continue to assess usage and adapt accordingly, with even more flexible options to be announced later this year.”
Inmarsat’s 2023 global survey of business aviation professionals – conducted in partnership with Corporate Jet Investor (CJI) – found that 82 per cent of respondents believe inflight connectivity has evolved from a luxury option for some, to a key requirement for the majority of passengers.