Soft launch for European Aviation Network (EAN)

Inmarsat and Deutsche Telekom have announced the ‘soft launch’ phase of the European Aviation Network (EAN), with initial airline customers.

The aviation connectivity solution can be accessed on over 100 airline route, by more than 30,000 passengers daily. To date, almost two million passengers have travelled on flights with access to EAN.

Philip Balaam, president of Inmarsat Aviation, said: “We have been working with our initial airline customers to monitor and fine-tune the service during their soft launches before it’s rolled out on their wider fleets. We are extremely pleased with the initial response from both the airlines and their passengers, which is testament to the important role EAN is already playing in the European aviation industry.”

Rolf Nafziger, senior vice president Deutsche Telekom Global Carrier, added: “This is a momentous achievement, not only for Deutsche Telekom and Inmarsat, but for all the European partners involved in getting this highly innovative solution off to such a flying start. EAN has a bright future ahead as it continues to roll out on more and more aircraft with initial airline customers over the coming months. In addition, its lightweight, small and low maintenance equipment provides a hugely compelling business case for other European carriers.”