Inmarsat has unveiled a major upgrade programme to increase the in-flight broadband speeds offered by its Jet ConneX (JX) business aviation solution.
Inmarsat says JX Evolution, which was announced at the European Business Aviation Convention & Exhibition (EBACE) in Switzerland, will set an unprecedented new standard for business aviation connectivity on board by leveraging Inmarsat’s global Ka-band satellite network, including enhanced capabilities from its highly advanced upcoming satellites, in addition to the latest terminal technology from partners.
Initial testing for the upcoming programme has already demonstrated speeds in excess of 130 megabits per second (Mbps) using Inmarsat’s existing satellites. This will enable users to simultaneously connect even more devices and enjoy even the most data-hungry applications, such as high definition video.
Inmarsat is introducing seven satellite payloads to its Ka-band constellation, increasing the total number to 12. This includes two Inmarsat-6s, the most sophisticated commercial communications satellites ever built, which enter service next year. They will be followed by two payloads in highly elliptical orbit, enabling the world’s only commercial mobile broadband service for business jets flying in higher latitudes and across the Arctic, then three more satellites in geostationary orbit.
Kai Tang, Inmarsat’s Head of Business Aviation, said: “Inmarsat’s Jet ConneX is regarded as the gold standard of business aviation connectivity and its market leadership has only been reinforced following the pandemic, with soaring demand for inflight broadband that is fast, reliable and consistent across all flight routes. Inmarsat’s JX Evolution follows our ethos of building ahead of demand and the new service plans that will launch as part of this programme will redefine the concept of premium connectivity.
Inflight spoke exclusively with Kai Tang after EBACE, who noted that the announcement will serve as a heads up for Inmarsat’s customers and sets up expectations for the next few years. The company is continuing to innovate and expects to release a more formal announcement at NBAA-BACE conference in October.
The company says its JX Evolution solution will also leverage the latest terminal advancements from Inmarsat’s partners, which are compatible with a wide range of business jets, using cutting-edge technology and lightweight designs to optimise performance, reduce costs and simplify the installation and maintenance processes.
