Inmarsat rolls out Jet ConneX in-flight connectivity plans
Inmarsat has announced the next chapter of its Jet ConneX (JX) inflight broadband solution, with a new range of service plans introduced to redefine gold standard connectivity in the business aviation market and satisfy even the most data-hungry users for many years to come.
Launched as part of Inmarsat’s JX Evolution programme, these latest service plans are available for new and existing customers to order today, marking a step-change in performance that is backed by guaranteed speeds and Inmarsat’s hallmark consistent customer experience.
The new service plans offer enhanced performance using Jet ConneX’s existing, highly successful JetWave terminal by Inmarsat’s partner Honeywell, and will also be compatible with three upcoming next-generation terminals being developed by Satcom Direct, Orbit and Honeywell. Satcom Direct’s Plane Simple Ka-band system has commenced flight testing and is expected to enter service later this year.
All three next-generation terminals use innovative technology and lightweight designs to optimise performance, reduce costs, and simplify installation and maintenance. Their reduced size and weight make them suitable for various types of business jets, creating new opportunities in the fast-growing super midsize aircraft market, which shares many of the same connectivity requirements as large aircraft.
Jet ConneX customers will also benefit from seven more Inmarsat satellite payloads entering service by 2025, increasing its Ka-band network fleet to 12. This includes two Inmarsat-6s, both of which have already launched, followed by two payloads in highly elliptical orbit, enabling the commercial mobile broadband service for flights in higher latitudes and across the Arctic. Three additional satellites will then launch in geostationary orbit, adding further speed, capacity, and resilience.
The combination of next generation terminals and Inmarsat’s satellite network will enable speeds up to 100 Mbps, for top tier customers that demand the highest level ‘office-in-the-sky’ experience.
The new Jet ConneX service plans are available through Inmarsat’s global business aviation distribution network, which consists of Satcom Direct, Collins Aerospace and Honeywell.
Kai Tang, Inmarsat’s head of business aviation, says, “Jet ConneX is renowned for delivering a very high standard of service and these transformative new plans once again highlight Inmarsat’s continued focus on staying ahead of market expectations. This provides customers with reassurance that our connectivity will keep pace with their long-term needs. Importantly, as these include the first plans to use our new satellites and terminals, it also offers a glimpse into future capabilities and provides certainty that their investment in our technology is future-proofed.
“These service plans have been specifically designed to deliver even greater value and performance based on unique insights into usage of our inflight broadband service. This build-up approach is unique to Inmarsat and cannot be replicated by others in the market, some of which have a tendency to over promise and under deliver, either from the start or as their networks fill and performance degrades.
“Crucially, this is only the next step for us. We will continue to assess usage and adapt accordingly, with even more flexible options to be announced later this year.”
Since entering commercial service in November 2016, Jet ConneX has been activated on more than 1,400 business jets: offering the same reliable, consistent and high-speed broadband that was previously only available on the ground. Passenger usage of Jet ConneX increased to record levels since the pandemic, testament to fast-growing expectations from users, who use everything from video streaming and live TV to conference calls and other business activities. JX’s most powerful service plans will now enable passengers to simultaneously connect more devices and enjoy unchallenged access to the most data-hungry applications including high-definition video conferencing – without compromising on its proven characteristics of consistency, reliability, resilience, and seamless global availability.
Inmarsat’s 2023 global survey of business aviation professionals – conducted in partnership with Corporate Jet Investor (CJI) – found that 82% of respondents believe inflight connectivity has evolved from a luxury option for some, to a key requirement for the majority of passengers. The results, published at the European Business Aviation Convention & Exhibition (EBACE) this week, show the three most important factors when selecting a connectivity system, in order, were consistent performance, 100% route coverage, and high speed.
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