Multi-Orbit Connectivity to Benefit Airlines and Air Travelers

OneWeb—the London-based, Airbus affiliated provider of satellite Internet and communications services—has signed a global distribution partnership agreement with Intelsat—the Luxembourg-based satellite services concern. The deal enables Intelsat to distribute both its own geo-stationary (GEO), and OneWeb’s low Earth orbit (LEO) satellite services to airlines worldwide. The resultant multi-orbit satellite constellation promises to eliminate the oceanic and polar gaps, and major-terminal/hub capacity limitations by which extant Inflight Connectivity (IFC) services are afflicted.

The companies expect the multi-orbit network to be in service by 2024.

Intelsat president of commercial aviation Jeff Sare states: “This level of connectivity will enable airlines to maximize brand affiliation with passengers through all their onboard services—delivering a truly connected end-to-end passenger journey. The hybrid-service-offering further allows the global airline community to plan their suite of next-generation onboard services with confidence—not only ensuring a future-proofed passenger inflight connectivity experience, but also the implementation of a connected airline digitalization strategy.”

OneWeb vice president of mobility services Ben Griffin adds: “This is a watershed moment for the inflight connectivity market, and we’re excited to work together with Intelsat to bring our multi-orbit solution to commercial aviation. We’re committed to delivering the most differentiated and innovative solution for airlines. We are proving that, through the power of partnership, a superior suite of multi-orbit capabilities can be offered to better serve the growing connectivity needs of the commercial aviation industry, delivering the highest value coupled with the lowest risk.”

Intelsat is among the foundational architects of satellite communications technology. The company operates an extensive telecom satellite array, and is about the business of building the world’s first hybrid, multi-orbit, software-defined 5G network.

OneWeb’s pathway to 5G includes the implementation of a constellation of LEO satellites, a network of global gateway stations, and a range of user terminals to provide affordable, fast, high-speed, low-latency communications. The company recently merged with Eutelsat, a French operator of geostationary satellites.

FMI: www.oneweb.net