Consumers today demand continuous access to high-speed connectivity across all personal devices no matter where they may be. Wireless carriers seek to attract and retain subscribers, reduce churn, and engender loyalty. Commercial airlines strive to offer a differentiated and enhanced passenger experience and ensure every seat on every flight is filled.  

In a strategic endeavor designed to further Intelsat’s vision of providing ubiquitous access to connectivity and content, two distinct Intelsat business units joined forces to help their customers meet these ambitions in one innovative initiative.

With more than 68 million subscribers, TIM is one of the largest mobile operators in Brazil and a longtime customer of Intelsat’s Networks division. GOL is one of the largest airlines in the country and an Intelsat Commercial Aviation (CA) customer with planes outfitted with the company’s 2Ku solution to deliver industry-leading speeds to support video streaming, web browsing, and other Wi-fi enabled services.

Leveraging their deep relationships and keen understanding of the market challenges each face in their respective industries, the Intelsat Networks and Commercial Aviation teams identified an opportunity to bring their customers together in a mutually beneficial partnership – and they acted upon it.

The Intelsat teams jointly designed a program that would bring together multiple technologies and elements of its next generation satellite network to enable TIM and GOL to offer unlimited and hassle-free access to inflight Wi-Fi on all domestic and some international flights.

The benefits to all would be plentiful.

For TIM, this offers an opportunity to provide new experiences to their consumers and strengthen relationships.

For the airline, the program represents a way to spend less on IFC expenses and delight passengers in the process. 

The initiative would serve as the next step in fulfilling Intelsat’s vision of enabling continuous and seamless connectivity as consumers move from their homes to offices, from cars to planes, and so on.

As the network operator and primary relationship owner, Intelsat’s Networks and Commercial Aviation teams worked behind the scenes and across business groups to bring the concept to reality, ultimately leading to the launch of the program in October 2022.

Today, TIM Black and Black Familia subscribers can access inflight Wi-Fi on GOL aircraft for messaging and browsing. Customers access the portal, click on a customized banner, enter their login credentials, and connect to Intelsat’s network. No fumbling for credit cards is required.

Along with driving higher customer satisfaction and supporting broader business growth ambitions, the program demonstrated Intelsat’s unique ability to form strong partnerships between brands and work collaboratively across technologies and business units to solve complex problems. On the heels of the successful deployment in Brazil, Intelsat is now pursuing similar engagements around the world.

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MCLEAN, Va. – Intelsat, operator of one of the world’s largest integrated satellite and terrestrial networks and leading provider of inflight connectivity (IFC), has accepted the Aerospace/Aviation Mobile Innovation Award for FlexExec by the Mobile Satellite Users Association (MSUA).

FlexExec, paired with Satcom Direct’s SD Plane Simple^® Ku-Band antenna, provides government aviation and business jet passengers with high-speed, global, connectivity. The solution guarantees throughput needed for streaming, video conferencing and sending and receiving large files.

The SD Plane Simple Ku-band terminal paired with the FlexExec network entered commercial service in 2023.

Intelsat FlexExec is a multi-layered, high-throughput global network designed to serve the business and government aviation sectors. The SD Plane Simple Ku-band tail-mount terminal is a compact, high-performance terminal system designed to meet the sector’s specific needs. The ground-breaking technology of the Plane Simple antenna, combined with the flexible service plans made possible by FlexExec and offered by SD are bringing customers reliable, global, customized connectivity solutions.

“Keeping people and machines always connected while on the move is critical to business, whether on land, in the air or at sea,” said Mark Rasmussen, Intelsat’s senior vice president of Mobility. “At Intelsat, we applied our space and network expertise to create a flexible, enterprise-grade, end-to-end managed service that delivers high-throughput, reliable connectivity whenever and wherever it’s needed. And as we continue to rapidly evolve our next-generation unified network, we are positioned to meet tomorrow’s demand and beyond.”

The Mobile Satellite Users Association, a global not-for-profit organization focused on amplifying the voice of satellite mobile services users and innovators, celebrated with organizations earning satellite mobile innovation awards during Satellite 2023 in Washington, D.C.

To learn more, visit our website.

About Intelsat

Intelsat’s global team of professionals is focused on providing seamless and secure, satellite-based communications to government, NGO and commercial customers through the company’s next-generation global network and managed services. Bridging the digital divide by operating one of the world’s largest and most advanced satellite fleet and connectivity infrastructures, Intelsat enables people and their tools to speak over oceans, see across continents and listen through the skies to communicate, cooperate and coexist. Since its founding six decades ago, the company has been synonymous with satellite-industry “firsts” in service to its customers and the planet. Leaning on a legacy of innovation and focusing on addressing a new generation of challenges Intelsat team members now have their sights on the “next firsts” in space as they disrupt the field and lead in the digital transformation of the industry.

Media Contact:

Melissa Longo – melissa.longo@intelsat.com; +1 240-308-1881

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MCLEAN, Va. – Intelsat, operator of one of the world’s largest integrated satellite and terrestrial networks and leading provider of inflight connectivity (IFC), today announced the successful completion of inflight testing of its new electronically steered array (ESA) antenna. This antenna enables global streaming-fast Wi-Fi service and is available to airlines around the world.

Intelsat’s ESA is the only commercially available antenna in the  aviation industry that can operate between low Earth orbit satellites and geostationary satellites. Announced in June 2022, the new antenna has been accumulating flight hours with Ball, Stellar Blu Solutions, Intelsat and OneWeb engineers validating antenna and network performance.

In early 2023, Intelsat successfully demonstrated the new system to global airlines on the company’s  Bombardier CRJ-700 regional jet outfitted with the new antenna and inflight Wi-Fi system. With peak inflight download speeds exceeding 275Mbps, airline customers were able to participate in live virtual meetings, stream media and stay connected without interruptions.

By using the Intelsat and OneWeb satellite networks together, Intelsat can offer the benefits of LEO’s low latency along with the redundancy GEO provides to address network hotspots that LEO networks on their own cannot address. Whether aircraft are flying polar regions or over the most populated cities in the world, the ESA antenna will offer seamless coverage from takeoff to touchdown.

At just 90 pounds and with no moving parts, the new antenna stands just 3.5 inches tall on the top of the aircraft. The terminal’s low profile has the lowest drag of any product Intelsat has ever offered, reducing CO2 emissions for airlines.

“After installing the system in December, we’ve been hard at work perfecting this new technology and have taken some of the world’s leading airlines for test flights. An antenna without moving parts, that is much smaller than its predecessors, enables airlines to compete in the marketplace, delight their guests and have confidence that Intelsat’s multi-orbit antenna will provide the best performing inflight connectivity experience in the market,” said Jeff Sare, president of Intelsat Commercial Aviation.

Alaska Airlines recently announced plans to use Intelsat’s ESA terminal and IFC services aboard its fleet of Embraer regional jet fleet. Intelsat has supplemental-type certificate programs underway for a wide range of aircraft and expects to begin delivering and installing shipsets in early 2024.

Learn more by visiting Intelsat’s website.

About Intelsat

Intelsat’s global team of professionals is focused on providing seamless and secure, satellite-based communications to government, NGO and commercial customers through the company’s next-generation global network and managed services. Bridging the digital divide by operating one of the world’s largest and most advanced satellite fleet and connectivity infrastructures, Intelsat enables people and their tools to speak over oceans, see across continents and listen through the skies to communicate, cooperate and coexist. Since its founding six decades ago, the company has been synonymous with satellite-industry “firsts” in service to its customers and the planet. Leaning on a legacy of innovation and focusing on addressing a new generation of challenges Intelsat team members now have their sights on the “next firsts” in space as they disrupt the field and lead in the digital transformation of the industry.

Media Contact:

Melissa Longo – melissa.longo@intelsat.com; +1 240-308-1881

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MCLEAN, Va. – Intelsat, operator of one of the world’s largest integrated satellite and terrestrial networks and leading provider of inflight connectivity (IFC), has been named the Best WiFi Service in commercial aviation by Global Traveler (GT) magazine, for the second consecutive year.

GT offers unique daily content catering to the lifestyle and travel interests of premium travelers who fly all over the world for business and pleasure. The magazine’s 19^th annual reader survey asked frequent business and luxury travelers to name the best in a variety of travel-related categories. More than 22,000people responded to the open-ended survey, with thousands voting that Intelsat WiFi is the best they’ve experienced in their extensive travels.

“Intelsat’s system provides 98% global coverage and 99% network availability offering passengers the same high-speed, reliable internet in flight that they’ve come to expect at home,” said Jeff Sare, Intelsat Commercial Aviation president. “Intelsat strives to provide quality service and customer care on every flight, and we appreciate that airline customers recognize and value our service.”

Commercial and private jet travelers around the world connect to one another and to critical mobile applications through the power and reliability of the award-winning Intelsat global network. Intelsat’s inflight connectivity solutions ensure a reliable, living room-like experience. With industry-leading security and resiliency built in at every step of the network design, passengers and crew alike can connect with confidence.

For more information about Intelsat’s commercial aviation connectivity products, visit here.

The GT award was presented to Intelsat Dec. 6 during a reception at Ritz-Carlton in Los Angeles.

About Intelsat

As the foundational architects of satellite technology, Intelsat operates the world’s most trusted satellite telecom network. We apply our unparalleled expertise and global scale to connect people, businesses and communities, no matter how difficult the challenge. Intelsat is building the future of global communications with the world’s first hybrid, multi-orbit, software-defined 5G network designed for simple, seamless, and secure coverage precisely when and where our customers most need it. Follow the leader in global connectivity and “Imagine Here,” with us, at Intelsat.com.

Media Contact:

Melissa Longo – melissa.longo@intelsat.com; +1 240-308-1881

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MCLEAN, Va. – Intelsat, operator of one of the world’s largest integrated satellite and terrestrial network and leading provider of inflight connectivity (IFC), announced today that it has been selected to provide high-speed in-flight Wi-Fi to Virgin Australia’s fleet of existing 737NG aircraft and future-delivery 737MAX aircraft.   

Intelsat’s 2Ku satellite connectivity solution will deliver industry-leading speeds to support video streaming, web browsing, and anything else Virgin’s guests want to do with Wi-Fi-enabled devices onboard their flights.  

A recent survey of Virgin Australia customers indicated Wi-Fi connectivity was an important part of travel for one in three leisure travellers and almost half of the business passengers.

“We are laser focused on creating great travel experiences for our guests when they fly with Virgin Australia,” said Virgin Australia Group Chief Customer and Digital Officer, Paul Jones. “We also listened to our guests, and overwhelmingly they told us that Wi-Fi was important to them.”

The popular inflight feature will be complimentary for the airline’s Business Class guests and Beyond and Velocity Platinum members. For all other guests, Wi-Fi access will be available for a nominal fee.     

“We’re going to deliver a streaming-quality, always-on, reliable inflight internet product onboard Virgin Australia’s fleet of 737 aircraft,” said Dave Bijur, SVP of Intelsat Commercial Aviation. “We’re adding 737MAX aircraft for the first time with Virgin Australia, and they’ve made a technology decision that expands our relationship and will delight their guests.”

The 2Ku antennas that facilitate the IFC system will be installed gradually over 18 months on more than half of the airline’s fleet starting mid-December 2022.   

About Intelsat    

As the foundational architects of satellite technology, Intelsat operates the world’s most trusted satellite telecom network. We apply our unparalleled expertise and global scale to connect people, businesses, and communities, no matter how difficult the challenge. Intelsat is building the future of global communications with the world’s first hybrid, multi-orbit, software-defined 5G network designed for simple, seamless, and secure coverage precisely when and where our customers most need it. Follow the leader in global connectivity and “Imagine Here,” with us, at Intelsat.com.   

Media Contact 

Farah Latif – farah.latif@intelsat.com; +1 703-973-1679.   

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TI will be using IGC’S FlexAir to assist the FBI in meeting critical missions as it has other airborne government teams with the speed and reliability needed for real-time situational awareness and seamless command, control and communication. FlexAir leverages the world’s largest, high performing GEO satellite fleet, combining multi-layered, Ku-band HTS coverage with wide and spot beams to bring broadband connectivity around the globe – including the most trafficked flight routes.

“IGC is committed to delivering a high-performance managed service to all types of government aero users,” said IGC President, Dave Micha. “We understand government missions require unwavering service, in the toughest of environments and on non-negotiable deadlines. Intelsat will always rise to the challenge.”

This solution delivers preflight, in-route transit, and on-station data, voice, and video communication capabilities anywhere in the world. FlexAir enables the FBI’s wide range of applications that require dynamic, resilient high-bandwidth capacity on-demand.

In collaboration with TI, IGC FlexAir partner Satcom Direct (SD) Government will provide service delivery and the best in reliability 24/7 year-round, to optimize the customer experience on the ground and in the air.

“Satcom Direct will ensure that the FBI can rely on first-rate connectivity in support of all mission requirements, that’s our customer commitment as an IGC FlexAir Partner,” said Hayden Olson, general manager, Satcom Direct.

About Intelsat & Intelsat General

As the foundational architects of satellite technology, Intelsat operates the world’s most trusted satellite telecom network. We apply our unparalleled expertise and global scale to connect people, businesses, government, and communities, no matter how difficult the challenge. Intelsat is building the future of global communications with the world’s first hybrid, multi-orbit, software-defined 5G network designed for simple, seamless, and secure coverage precisely when and where our customers most need it. Intelsat General Communications LLC (IGC) is a wholly owned subsidiary of Intelsat dedicated to serving government customers. Follow the leader in global connectivity and “Imagine Here,” with us, at Intelsat.com.

About TI

Telecom International, LLC (TI) is a small business specializing in commercial satellite communications solutions to government agencies including Defense, Energy, and Treasury. TI provides on-going COMSATCOM support to Intelligence, Surveillance and Reconnaissance (ISR) programs and other mission-critical programs in support of the US Government. Customers receive unparalleled, customized responsiveness and technical knowledge around-the-clock ensuring absolute minimal disruption of communications to mission objectives.

About Satcom Direct

Satcom Direct (SD) mobilizes the most cutting-edge technologies to enable data connectivity globally. SD’s proprietary technologies span business aviation, marine, government and telecommunications sectors, with the singular goal of leading connectivity industry standards.

Harnessing a powerful combination of tools and partners SD delivers consistent, reliable connectivity across the globe. Proprietary software, hardware, terrestrial infrastructure, cybersecurity solutions and award-winning customer services create tailored data services for each individual customer mission to enhance the passenger and ownership experience, improve efficiencies and deliver connectivity beyond all expectations.

Media Contact:

Melissa Longo – melissa.longo@intelsat.com; +1 240-308-1881

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MCLEAN, Va. and MUMBAI, India – Intelsat, operator of one of the world’s largest integrated satellite and terrestrial network and leading provider of inflight connectivity (IFC), today announced the beginning of Intelsat’s inflight connectivity services in Indian skies through an agreement with Nelco, India’s leading satellite communication service provider.

This agreement is welcome news for Intelsat’s airline partners and flyers as they will enjoy end-to-end broadband coverage on domestic and international aircraft flying to or from an Indian airport, as well as aircraft flying over the country.

“In addition to expanding our service coverage area for current customer airlines, our agreement with Nelco opens the possibility for Intelsat to serve India’s domestic airlines,” said Jeff Sare, president of Commercial Aviation at Intelsat. “This is a fast-growing airline market, and there is considerable untapped potential for IFC growth.”

Intelsat’s IFC service enables airline passengers a seamless at-home and in-office connectivity experience. Further, it allows an airline to differentiate itself, enhancing the passenger experience while driving passenger loyalty and optimizing flight operations.

“We are proud that Nelco has forged this relationship with in-flight connectivity pioneer Intelsat to offer Aero IFC services on their customer aircraft,” said PJ Nath, managing director & CEO of NELCO. “As India’s leading Satcom service provider offering best-in-class services, we are now creating a great opportunity through this relationship with Intelsat for further growth of our Aero IFC services in the country in the coming years – and we intend to be a leader in this market in India.”

Nelco has offered the Aero IFC services for more than two years with plans to introduce these services to more airlines in collaboration with its global partners.

Nelco will provide these services using Intelsat’s IS-33e high throughput satellite. IS-33e was launched in 2016 that provides C and Ku-band connectivity to parts of Asia, Europe, Africa, and the Middle East. Intelsat’s IS-33e satellite is approved by Indian government regulators, paving the way for coverage with no interruptions or blackout zones.

The service is available on Intelsat partner airlines and their passengers on aircraft now.

About Intelsat

As the foundational architects of satellite technology, Intelsat operates the world’s most trusted satellite telecom network. We apply our unparalleled expertise and global scale to connect people, businesses, and communities, no matter how difficult the challenge. Intelsat is building the future of global communications with the world’s first hybrid, multi-orbit, software-defined 5G network designed for

simple, seamless, and secure coverage precisely when and where our customers most need it. Follow the leader in global connectivity and “Imagine Here,” with us, at Intelsat.com.

About Nelco

Nelco Ltd, a part of the $128 bn Tata Group, is a leading Satellite Communication Service Provider in India, providing highly reliable data connectivity solutions across the country for the Enterprise, Aero IFC and Maritime sectors. It has been playing an important role in the development and growth of important industry segments by providing Satcom services for business-critical applications. It is a major player for providing Aero IFC and Maritime services in the country. Nelco continuously strives to adopt wide ranging and latest Satcom technologies to build world-class infrastructure and services for catering to the varied needs of its customers.

Nelco is listed on BSE and NSE in India. For more information, visit www.nelco.in and follow on LinkedIn or Twitter @NelcoIndia.

Media Contact:

Intelsat Melissa Longo – melissa.longo@intelsat.com; +1 240-308-1881

Nelco Pooja Johar – pooja.johar@nelco.in

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By harnessing the power of multi-orbit capabilities, Intelsat will ensure airlines and their passengers are able to enjoy the best IFC, without compromise. Airlines and their passengers will no longer have to accept significant gaps in IFC coverage or capacity – even at busy hubs, across oceans, and over polar routes. Intelsat will seamlessly manage connectivity, allowing passengers to remain connected no matter where they are.

The companies expect the multi-orbit solution to be in service by 2024.

“This level of connectivity will enable airlines to maximize brand affiliation with passengers through all their onboard services – delivering a truly connected end-to-end passenger journey,” said Jeff Sare, president of Intelsat’s Commercial Aviation. “The hybrid service offering further allows the global airline community to plan their suite of next-generation onboard services with confidence – not only ensuring a future-proofed passenger inflight connectivity experience, but also the implementation of a connected airline digitalization strategy.”

“This is a watershed moment for the inflight connectivity market, and we’re excited to work together with Intelsat to bring our multi-orbit solution to commercial aviation. We’re committed to delivering the most differentiated and innovative solution for airlines,” said Ben Griffin, OneWeb vice president, Mobility Services. “We are proving that, through the power of partnership, a superior suite of multi-orbit capabilities can be offered to better serve the growing connectivity needs of the commercial aviation industry, delivering the highest value coupled with the lowest risk.”

About OneWeb

OneWeb is a global communications network powered from space, headquartered in London, enabling connectivity for governments, businesses, and communities. It is implementing a constellation of Low Earth Orbit satellites with a network of global gateway stations and a range of user terminals to provide an affordable, fast, high-speed and low-latency communications service, connected to the IoT future and a pathway to 5G. Find out more at http://www.oneweb.world. 

About Intelsat

As the foundational architects of satellite technology, Intelsat operates the world’s most trusted satellite telecom network. We apply our unparalleled expertise and global scale to connect people, businesses, governments, and communities, no matter how difficult the challenge. Intelsat is building the future of global communications with the world’s first hybrid, multi-orbit, software-defined 5G network designed for simple, seamless, and secure coverage precisely when and where our customers most need it. Follow the leader in global connectivity and “Imagine Here,” with us, at Intelsat.com

Media Contact:

Intelsat – Clay McConnell – clay.mcconnell@intelsat.com; +1 703 559 7236

OneWeb – Nick Maynard – nmaynard@oneweb.net  +44 7464 494499

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Farnborough’s Air Show isn’t the town’s only claim to fame. The airport of the same name is home sweet home to a small division of Intelsat Commercial Aviation residing just north of the runway.

The team plays a critical role in the smooth installation, operation and maintenance of Intelsat’s inflight connectivity for airlines across Europe and the Middle East.
The office, home-base to four Intelsat CA employees, is located inside the old Farnborough Airport departure lounge and control tower, constructed in the 1930s and now repurposed as a modern workspace.

The location gives Intelsat CA unique proximity to customers in the area, allowing for seamless coverage and support of aircraft equipped with their technology. London Heathrow, the largest airport in the UK and a frequent destination for Intelsat CA customer flights, is just a 30-minute drive from the Farnborough office.

The team works hands-on with Intelsat’s Commercial Aviation customers in the region leading the installation of Intelsat inflight connectivity technology on approximately 300 aircraft, but the job doesn’t stop at installation. They also handle software upgrades and customer support on aircraft through the duration of a contract with an airline.

When a customer needs maintenance on an aircraft, the Farnborough office dispatches Field Support Representatives to support the airline wherever they are located.

Another small office in the same Farnborough building houses a training facility for the Intelsat 2Ku system, equipping customer technicians to perform system installation, activation and maintenance.

Farnborough represented Intelsat CA’s only European training facility until a recently opened facility in Amsterdam joined the mix, allowing more flexibility for European and UK customers and their technicians.

For customers based farther away, the team can train technicians remotely, expanding the team’s expertise to customers including Lufthansa Technik Philippines in Manila and Qatar Airways in Doha.

In 2022, the team’s main focus is facilitating the upgrade to next-generation onboard experience software that further streamlines their maintenance process across all aircraft with Intelsat connectivity onboard.

Are you going to Farnborough Air Show? Be sure to stop by the Intelsat Booth 4514 to hear about our latest technology offerings.

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These installations will include Intelsat’s next-generation modem, delivering industry-leading speeds to support advanced video streaming and superior performance around the globe while significantly reducing costs with Intelsat’s investment in its global 5G software-defined satellite network.

“Air Canada’s commitment to delivering an exceptional in-flight experience with quality streaming connectivity is admired throughout the globe,” said Dave Bijur, SVP of Commercial for Intelsat Commercial Aviation. “Our continuous launch of satellites over the next several years, starting with Intelsat 40e in early 2023, positions us well in the future to deliver unmatched reliability, redundancy and speed to passengers – all of which maximizes guest satisfaction.”

“Millions of Intelsat inflight internet sessions have been delivered to Air Canada’s passengers throughout our nine-plus year relationship,” said Senior Vice President of Products, Marketing and e-commerce at Air Canada, Mark Nasr. “We are delighted to grow our satellite connectivity service with Intelsat to provide our passengers with expanded inflight connectivity.”

About Intelsat

As the foundational architects of satellite technology, Intelsat operates the world’s most trusted satellite telecom network. We apply our unparalleled expertise and global scale to connect people, businesses, and communities, no matter how difficult the challenge. Intelsat is building the future of global communications with the world’s first hybrid, multi-orbit, software-defined 5G network designed for simple, seamless, and secure coverage precisely when and where our customers most need it. Follow the leader in global connectivity and “Imagine Here,” with us, at Intelsat.com.

Media Contact:

Melissa Longo – melissa.longo@intelsat.com; +1 240-308-1881

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