J-AIR first regional airline to offer free IFEC in Japan

Japan Airlines (JAL) has entered into a contract with Intelsat for the supply of inflight connectivity (IFC) services on Embraer E190 aircraft flying with its subsidiary airline, J-AIR. Installation of Intelsat’s 2Ku systems has begun on the first of J-AIR’s E190 aircraft, with 13 additional aircraft due to be equipped by autumn 2024.

Osaka-based domestic airline, J-AIR, has been offering free wireless IFE services since 2016, and the addition of 2Ku will make J-AIR the first regional carrier in Japan to offer inflight entertainment and connectivity (IFEC) services, as well as having the first E190 aircraft in the world to be equipped with 2Ku systems.

“While having wireless entertainment was an excellent first step, J-AIR sees the importance of connectivity as well. Adding 2Ku will enable the same free inflight internet experience they have had since 2017 on the larger jets. For Intelsat, this is a great showcase for other E190 operators around the world who want to offer a free service to all their passengers,” commented Dave Bijur, senior vice president at Intelsat Commercial Aviation.