Avianca Signs with Inmarsat for a ‘First’ in Latin America

By Staff Writer | June 22, 2017
Send Feedback

Avianca 787-8

File photo

With a new agreement, Colombia-based Avianca said it is set to become the first airline in Latin America to use Inmarsat’s GX Aviation. The connectivity solution would initially be available to passengers of some 125 aircraft, comprised of the Airbus A320 and A330, and Boeing 787. There is also the potential for additional aircraft to be fitted.

Expected for rollout starting before the end of the year, the GX Aviation-enabled aircraft would tap into Global Xpress, Inmarsat’s Ka-band satellite network. Inmarsat said the GX, which is available in government, U.S. government, enterprise and other forms, offers the flexibility to add and redirect bandwidth.

“The rapid uptake from airlines is evidence of the market’s confidence, with launch customers signed in key regions such as Europe, the Middle East, Asia Pacific, Australasia and now, Latin America,” said Leo Mondale, president of Inmarsat Aviation, about GX Aviation. “Avianca understands that its passengers and cabin crew today expect a consistent, reliable and fast in-flight broadband service wherever they fly. GX Aviation is also scalable with the high growth expected in Latin America over the next decade.”

Receive the latest avionics news right to your inbox