Inmarsat and Orbit announce new business aviation in-flight broadband terminal
Inmarsat will be launching a new compact and lightweight terminal for its Jet ConneX (JX) in-flight broadband solution from early next year following the expansion of the company’s partnership with airborne communication solutions provider Orbit Communication Systems.
The companies say Orbit’s AirTRX30 terminal is moving towards type approval on Inmarsat’s global Ka-band satellite network which powers JX. The advanced system, which is compatible with a wide range of business jets including super mid-size and large cabin platforms, includes only two line replaceable units, consisting of a modem manager and tail-mounted antenna.
The terminal builds on already patented Orbit aperture designs that are being used by Inmarsat’s government customers and will also be compatible with upcoming Ka-band satellites that are being launched over the next few years as part of Inmarsat’s ground-breaking technology roadmap.
Kai Tang, Inmarsat’s Head of Business Aviation, said: “Inmarsat has a successful track record of working with Orbit in the government market. We are delighted to build on this strong foundation and expand our partnership into business aviation. Inmarsat’s Jet ConneX is already established as the gold standard of in-flight broadband in business aviation, with more than 1,100 customers across the world. With demand for aircraft and the premium connectivity that supports those operators at historical highs, Inmarsat is excited to expand our partner ecosystem for Jet ConneX with world-class manufacturers such as Orbit.”
Tuomo Rutanen, VP Sales and Business Development, Orbit Communication Systems, said: “We are very pleased to strengthen our partnership with Inmarsat and provide its Jet ConneX customers with a future-proof solution that can be used throughout the life of their aircraft. The open architecture and interfaces of our AirTRx30 terminal allow easy integration, ensuring flexibility and adaptability to passenger needs, which we know is more important than ever. Inmarsat’s relentless focus on innovation is fully aligned with our own, and we look forward to working together in the business aviation market.”