Inmarsat is introducing new service plans for its Jet ConneX inflight broadband, guaranteeing customers connection speeds of up to 100 Mbps. The latest options will be available to new and existing customers through the company’s JX Evolution program via Honeywell’s JetWave terminal or the next-generation terminals set to be launched later this year by that company, as well as by Satcom Direct and Orbit.
The new levels of connectivity mark a significant advance on the maximum rates of 20 Mbps offered by Jet ConneX Pro a few years ago. The exact connection rate will vary according to the specific package customers commit to with any of Inmarsat's distributors, which also include Collins Aerospace.
According to Inmarsat’s head of business aviation Kai Tang, the lighter-weight broadband terminals will tap technology that will expand their use to additional business jet types, including super-midsize jets. He said the equipment also will be easier and less costly to install and maintain.
By 2025, Inmarsat (Booth I82) expects to increase its Ka-band network to 12 satellites with the addition of seven more payloads. Tang said the investment will boost the company’s commitment to providing Jet ConneX with a guaranteed connection rate that will be consistently available on more than 1,400 aircraft already fitted with the system.
Meanwhile, Collins last week became a global distribution partner for Inmarsat’s new SwiftJet in-flight connectivity service for business aircraft. The L-band-based service is due to enter commercial service this year, offering maximum speeds of 2.6 Mbps. Inmarsat noted the new service is up to six times faster than its SwiftBroadband service.
SwiftJet uses Inmarsat’s Elera satellite network and can support assured global connections in flight, according to the company. Its bandwidth is sufficient to support video calls, web browsing, email, texting, and cloud-syncing, as well as collaborative tools such as Microsoft Teams.
In a new survey of business aircraft operators conducted by Inmarsat and Corporate Jet Investor, 82 percent said that in-flight connectivity is now a key passenger expectation, regardless of the size of the jet. Respondents said that consistent rates of connectivity are the most important consideration, followed by service availability on all routes and then connection speeds.