Emirates to Offer High-Speed Inflight Broadband by Inmarsat’s GX Aviation

With new high-speed inflight broadband enabled by Inmarsat’s GX Aviation, Emirates will give passengers yet another chance to “fly better” on 50 new Airbus A350 aircraft that are expected to begin service in 2024. With improved connection and wider worldwide coverage, including on flights over the Arctic, the new arrangement will greatly enhance the passenger experience.

The Inmarsat Global Xpress (GX) satellite network powers the first and only globally accessible broadband network, and the Airbus A350s will be the first Emirates aircraft to use it. This will guarantee passengers can enjoy uninterrupted global connectivity, no matter their destination, including the North Pole. With the broadband’s cutting-edge high-speed capabilities, Emirates passengers can access social media, browse the internet, and keep in touch with loved ones from the comfort of their seats.

Inmarsat’s fully financed technology roadmap calls for the installation of seven additional satellite payloads to the GX network, which will power the Emirates inflight broadband and presently consists of five Ka-band satellites. Included in this are two Inmarsat-6 spacecraft, the most advanced commercial communications satellites ever constructed, both of which are slated to start operations in 2023.

The world’s only commercial mobile broadband service will be made possible for aircraft flying in higher altitudes and across the Arctic, such as routes between the Middle East and North America, by the addition of three more satellites in geostationary orbit that will increase speed, capacity, and resilience, as well as by the placement of two satellites in highly elliptical orbit.

Chief Operating Officer of Emirates, Adel al Redha, stated: “Delivering a world-class onboard experience has always been paramount to Emirates and we understand the importance of being connected during flights. Over the years, we have worked closely with Inmarsat and our supplier partners to ensure all our aircraft offer Wi-Fi connectivity. We look forward to finding ways and options to improve the connectivity on-board our aircraft by utilising GX Aviation for our Airbus A350 fleet. The advanced capabilities being introduced by the forthcoming satellites are particularly important, as this will boost capacity across our global network, including aircraft flying over the Arctic for routes between the Middle East and America.”

Inmarsat Aviation’s Senior Vice President of Inflight Connectivity, William Huot-Marchand, stated: “We are delighted that Emirates has joined the GX Aviation family. This will be the first fleet with Emirates to be equipped with our highly advanced GX Aviation solution. GX Aviation is well positioned to meet growing passenger expectations around a digital onboard experience, offering high-speed connectivity with uninterrupted global coverage across all flight routes, even over the Arctic. We look forward to working closely with Emirates on the rollout and other exciting innovations that build on its excellent history of providing a best-in-class passenger experience.”

Additionally, Emirates has improved connectivity for Skywards members. All Skywards Gold or Silver members traveling in Business Class in addition to First Class, as well as Platinum members traveling in any cabin class, will receive free internet access for the duration of the flight.

With recent accolades including “Best Airline in the World” at the ULTRAs 2022, “World Class Award,” “5 Star Global Official Airline Rating,” “Passenger Choice Award for Best Global Entertainment” at APEX 2023, “World’s Best Economy Class,” “World’s Best Economy Class Catering,” and “World’s Best Inflight Entertainment” for the 17th consecutive year at Skytrax 2022, Emirates continues to live up to its brand promise.

The plan for high-speed inflight broadband onboard A350’s is the latest addition to Emirates multi-billion-dollar investment into its onboard product and passenger experience; which also includes the largest known fleet retrofit project of 120 aircraft, extensive investment into menu development and food and beverage experiences, the planned introduction of next generation inflight entertainment systems on incoming aircraft, and a hospitality training programme designed by the world’s most renowned hotel school – Ecole hôtelière de Lausanne.