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All Nippon Airways joins inflight broadband revolution

Aviation

Japanese airline starts to equip its Boeing 777-300ER aircraft with our award-winning GX Aviation inflight broadband

All Nippon Airways (ANA) has begun upgrading its fleet of Boeing 777-300ER aircraft with Inmarsat’s GX Aviation inflight broadband, officials confirmed at APEX Expo in Los Angeles.

The award-winning solution will be offered through SITA FOR THE AIRCRAFT's (formerly SITAONAIR) Internet ONAIR Wi-Fi portal, allowing passengers of the Japanese airline to access seamless, reliable and secure internet connectivity, wherever they fly.

“We are proud to deliver our award-winning inflight connectivity to All Nippon Airways’ fleet,” commented SITAONAIR’s (now SITA FOR THE AIRCRAFT) VP Customer Programmes, Yann Cabaret. “With the installation of Internet ONAIR, ANA passengers will be guaranteed smooth and seamless connectivity, now and into the future.”

A world-class experience for passengers

ANA, which has been awarded SKYTRAX’s prestigious 5-Star rating every year since 2013, is the largest airline in Japan, operating 81 international routes and 119 domestic routes.

The news is the latest ground-breaking development for the airline’s Boeing 777-300ER fleet. A couple of months ago, ANA also announced a collaboration with famed architect Kengo Kuma and leading British designers Acumen to roll out 12 completely redesigned Boeing 777-300ER aircraft, featuring upgraded interiors that “offer first rate comfort and convenience to all passengers and showcase the true inspiration of Japan”. Highlights include the world's largest 4K resolution monitor in First Class and an innovative new Business Class seat with private door and multifunctional lounging and dining capabilities.

According to Chris Rogerson, Inmarsat Aviation’s Regional Vice President for the Asia Pacific region, the addition of GX Aviation onboard the aircraft fits perfectly with the airline’s world-class offering. “ANA is renowned for offering a market-leading experience onboard its aircraft and we are delighted that it has selected our gold standard inflight broadband, GX Aviation, for the Boeing 777-300ER fleet. We continue to work closely with the airline and our partner SITAONAIR (now SITA FOR THE AIRCRAFT) to rollout the service.”

Planning for the future

As demand for inflight Wi-Fi continues to grow, Inmarsat has put in place a fully-funded development roadmap for the future, so that as skies get busier, airline passengers can remain online whenever and wherever they choose.

A fifth GX satellite will be launched later this year with a further two GX payloads scheduled to launch in 2020 and 2021. In addition, the next evolution of the network – delivering a further five GX payloads – will make Inmarsat’s Global Xpress network the most agile and flexible constellation ever conceived, assuring customers that their requirements will continue to be met for decades to come.