Intelsat to Bring Multi-Orbit Inflight Connectivity to Japan Airlines

Japan Airlines (JAL) passengers are set to experience a new level of inflight internet connectivity, thanks to a partnership with Intelsat, the operator of the world’s largest integrated satellite and terrestrial network. Intelsat has been selected to provide its advanced multi-orbit inflight connectivity service on over 20 Boeing 737 MAX aircraft to be delivered in the coming years.

This partnership will position JAL as one of the first airlines in the Asia-Pacific region to offer reliable multi-orbit service utilizing Intelsat’s innovative electronically steered array (ESA) antenna. This technology promises to deliver fast and dependable internet access, akin to what passengers are accustomed to at home.

“Japan Airlines’ passengers will soon benefit from multi-orbit connectivity that will provide the same fast and dependable internet access they enjoy at home, thanks to wide coverage and low latency,” said Dave Bijur, Senior Vice President for Commercial Aviation at Intelsat. “JAL was Intelsat’s first non-U.S. commercial aviation customer, and we look forward to continuing to support JAL’s market-leading inflight connectivity service in Japan where their guests enjoy free service.”

Boeing will install the new service in the factory, making JAL one of the first airlines to receive Boeing aircraft equipped with ESA inflight service ready for immediate use. The first line-fit aircraft is expected to be delivered in 2026. The Intelsat ESA is less than seven centimeters tall and is compatible with both Intelsat’s geostationary satellites and its partner’s constellation of Low Earth Orbit satellites.

“Intelsat has been a trusted partner of JAL since 2013,” said Junko Sakihara, Deputy SVP, Customer Experience Division at Japan Airlines. “We are proud to have been among the first airlines in the world to offer free service for all passengers flying on our domestic routes starting in 2017 and look forward to the greater speed and reliability benefits the new multi-orbit service will bring to our customers.”

In addition to JAL’s Boeing 737s and 767s equipped with Intelsat’s 2Ku service, JAL’s subsidiary airline, J-AIR Co., Ltd., is currently installing the 2Ku system on its fleet of Embraer E190 aircraft. J-AIR is set to complete the installation on 14 E190s in the coming months, becoming the first regional airline in Japan to offer inflight entertainment and connectivity services.

This collaboration between JAL and Intelsat marks a significant advancement in inflight connectivity, ensuring passengers enjoy seamless internet access throughout their journey.

Sources: AirGuide Business airguide.info, bing.com, Intelsat