Inmarsat’s GX Aviation inflight broadband enters commercial service with Lufthansa Group

Inmarsat today announced the commercial service introduction of GX Aviation with Lufthansa Group, the launch customer of its next-generation inflight broadband solution.

Under a 10-year strategic partnership between Inmarsat and Lufthansa Group, approximately 300 Airbus A320 aircraft will be equipped with GX Aviation. To date, almost 80 of the aircraft installations have already been completed and GX Aviation can now be purchased on selected Lufthansa and Austrian Airlines short and medium haul flights. Lufthansa Group’s low-cost carrier Eurowings is also set to launch its commercial services in the coming weeks.

The commercial service introduction follows the completion of a test programme, lasting approximately four months, during which performance targets were successfully met and feedback from passengers as well as Lufthansa Group cabin crew was extremely positive.

Passengers can connect to GX Aviation using their personal devices via Lufthansa Group’s FlyNet portal. Three package tiers are available with both Lufthansa and Austrian Airlines, starting with a messaging service for three euros per flight, a surfing service for seven euros, and a streaming service for 12 euros. Passengers can either pay via credit card or payment services such as PayPal. Purchases using Air Miles or via roaming partners will also be available soon.

Leo Mondale, President of Inmarsat Aviation, said: “Inmarsat congratulates the Lufthansa Group on the commercial service introduction of their advanced new inflight broadband service on short and medium haul flights, powered by GX Aviation. For the first time, passengers can access fast, consistent and reliable connectivity as they receive on the ground.

“We share the excitement of our launch customer, as this is a significant milestone for GX Aviation too, which took more than five years to develop as the world’s first in-flight broadband solution with seamless global coverage delivered through a single operator.”

The commercial service introduction has highlighted the success of a long-term partnership established between Inmarsat, Lufthansa Technik and Lufthansa Systems. The companies have combined their market-leading capabilities to provide Lufthansa Group with an end-to-end connectivity solution that will enhance the passenger experience and brand value.

With many years of experience in aircraft modification, Lufthansa Technik is responsible for installing the systems and components required for GX Aviation on Lufthansa aircraft, as well as the required work for aeronautical and statutory regulations. Lufthansa Systems, as the aviation IT specialist, makes the required infrastructure available onboard the aircraft and provides innovative portals for passengers based on its BoardConnect product line.

Lufthansa Group’s internet service provider is Inmarsat partner Deutsche Telekom and the airlines connect to the GX network using exclusive JetWave hardware provided by Honeywell Aerospace. The exclusive next-generation terminals are designed for ease of installation and maintenance to assure the lowest downtime for any cabin connectivity solution in the market.