Advancing UK Aerospace, Defence, Security & Space Solutions Worldwide
  • Home
  • /
  • Aerospace
  • /
  • Inmarsat’s GX Aviation goes live for first time in Africa

Aerospace

Inmarsat’s GX Aviation goes live for first time in Africa

Air Senegal has become the first airline on the African continent to activate Inmarsat’s GX Aviation inflight passenger connectivity service onboard its new-generation A330neo fleet.


Courtesy Inmarsat / Air Senegal

The airline has appointed Inmarsat partner SITAONAIR as the inflight connectivity (IFC) service provider to support its goal to fly increasing passenger numbers and drive innovation to meet the growing demand for connectivity from Africa’s young population.

Under the deal, SITAONAIR has activated its Mobile ONAIR and Internet ONAIR inflight connectivity solutions via Link ONAIR, powered by Inmarsat’s award-winning high-speed GX Aviation broadband network.

Advertisement
Marshall RT 2

Following the launch of its first commercial flight in February 2019, passengers can now enjoy cabin connectivity across Air Senegal’s Business Class, Premium Economy and Economy, on routes connecting West Africa with Europe.

The new IFC solution from SITAONAIR and Inmarsat enables passengers to access a personalised and seamless inflight connection to stay in touch with their digital lives, business and loved ones as they fly, as well as make calls and send texts from the air, just as they would on the ground.

Air Senegal’s new IFC offering coincides with the launch of Inmarsat’s brand new whitepaper on Africa’s inflight connectivity market. Chapter one of the London School of Economics’ Sky High Economics survey forecasts that the adoption of IFC could lead to a potential $587million in revenue for airlines in the region by 2035.

Philippe Bohn, CEO of Air Senegal says: “We at Air Senegal are extremely proud to say we are leading inflight innovation in Africa’s aviation industry, and delivering, thanks to our carefully-considered partnership with SITAONAIR.

“With our new A330neo fleet, we can connect passengers from Europe with the heart of our country within six hours. These passengers have high standards, needs and expectations when it comes to inflight connectivity and Air Senegal is ready to empower them, thanks to SITAONAIR’s support and solutions.”

Advertisement
ODU RT 2

Ben Griffin, Regional Vice President of Inmarsat Aviation, said: “Our award-winning GX Aviation inflight broadband has already launched with leading airlines in markets across the world, including Europe, Asia, the Middle East and Latin America. We are delighted to welcome Air Senegal as a customer, marking an important milestone for GX Aviation in the important, fast-growing African market.”

David Lavorel, SITAONAIR CEO, said: “We are pleased to support and pioneer the inflight connectivity landscape, in what is a growing innovation area in Africa. SITAONAIR’s knowledge and expertise, both in establishing aircraft connectivity in burgeoning markets and in working alongside African telecommunications organisations and governments, makes us perfectly placed to enable all of Africa’s airlines to realise their connectivity ambitions.

“Our telecommunications experts have been at the heart of the significant work done with regulators and we look forward to advancing further for the benefit of the region.”

 

Advertisement
General Atomics LB
British Airways and Virgin Atlantic CEOs to speak at Sustainable Skies World Summit 2024

Aerospace

British Airways and Virgin Atlantic CEOs to speak at Sustainable Skies World Summit 2024

28 March 2024

Aviation leaders Shai Weiss, CEO of Virgin Atlantic and Sean Doyle, CEO of British Airways as keynote speakers at the Sustainable Skies World Summit 2024.

Airframe Designs helps to lead additive manufacturing industry body

Aerospace

Airframe Designs helps to lead additive manufacturing industry body

27 March 2024

Airframe Designs has joined a national industry body to help lead the development of additive manufacturing and 3D printing in the UK.

Leonardo secures presence at Bahrain International Airshow

Aerospace Defence Events

Leonardo secures presence at Bahrain International Airshow

26 March 2024

Italian aerospace, defence and security firm, Leonardo has secured its presence at the Bahrain International Airshow for the seventh year.

Made Smarter and tech institutes to demystify digital transformation

Aerospace

Made Smarter and tech institutes to demystify digital transformation

26 March 2024

Made Smarter and leading technology demonstrators have joined forces to demystify digital transformation with a new white paper.

Advertisement
Marshall RT 2
Britten-Norman secures new investment

Aerospace

Britten-Norman secures new investment

25 March 2024

Britten Norman has secured new investment from a group of investors led by 4D Capital Partners LLP (“4D”) The new investors are making funds available to Britten-Norman to fund working capital and to drive successful long-term growth.

First disability flying lessons to be launched at Kent airport

Aerospace

First disability flying lessons to be launched at Kent airport

25 March 2024

The UK’s disabled flying charity Aerobility has partnered with Lydd Aero Club in Kent to provide opportunities for lessons and experience flights for people living with disabilities, at Kent airport.

Advertisement
Advanced Navigation RT