Intelsat Completes Multi-Orbit Inflight Wi-Fi Tests
28.2.2023 17:00:00 EET | Business Wire | Press release
Intelsat, operator of one of the world’s largest integrated satellite and terrestrial networks and leading provider of inflight connectivity (IFC), today announced the successful completion of inflight testing of its new electronically steered array (ESA) antenna. This antenna enables global streaming-fast Wi-Fi service and is available to airlines around the world.
This press release features multimedia. View the full release here: https://www.businesswire.com/news/home/20230228005552/en/
Intelsat’s ESA antenna, seen on top of the plane, offers a low profile and the lowest drag of any product Intelsat has ever offered, reducing CO2 emissions for airlines. (Photo: Business Wire)
Intelsat’s ESA is the only commercially available antenna in the aviation industry that can operate between low Earth orbit satellites and geostationary satellites. Announced in June 2022, the new antenna has been accumulating flight hours with Ball, Stellar Blu Solutions, Intelsat and OneWeb engineers validating antenna and network performance.
In early 2023, Intelsat successfully demonstrated the new system to global airlines on the company’s Bombardier CRJ-700 regional jet outfitted with the new antenna and inflight Wi-Fi system. With peak inflight download speeds exceeding 275Mbps, airline customers were able to participate in live virtual meetings, stream media and stay connected without interruptions.
By using the Intelsat and OneWeb satellite networks together, Intelsat can offer the benefits of LEO’s low latency along with the redundancy GEO provides to address network hotspots that LEO networks on their own cannot address. Whether aircraft are flying polar regions or over the most populated cities in the world, the ESA antenna will offer seamless coverage from takeoff to touchdown.
At just 90 pounds and with no moving parts, the new antenna stands just 3.5 inches tall on the top of the aircraft. The terminal’s low profile has the lowest drag of any product Intelsat has ever offered, reducing CO2 emissions for airlines.
“After installing the system in December, we’ve been hard at work perfecting this new technology and have taken some of the world’s leading airlines for test flights. An antenna without moving parts, that is much smaller than its predecessors, enables airlines to compete in the marketplace, delight their guests and have confidence that Intelsat’s multi-orbit antenna will provide the best performing inflight connectivity experience in the market,” said Jeff Sare, president of Intelsat Commercial Aviation.
Alaska Airlines recently announced plans to use Intelsat’s ESA terminal and IFC services aboard its fleet of Embraer regional jet fleet. Intelsat has supplemental-type certificate programs underway for a wide range of aircraft and expects to begin delivering and installing shipsets in early 2024.
Learn more by visiting Intelsat’s website.
About Intelsat
Intelsat’s global team of professionals is focused on providing seamless and secure, satellite-based communications to government, NGO and commercial customers through the company’s next-generation global network and managed services. Bridging the digital divide by operating one of the world’s largest and most advanced satellite fleet and connectivity infrastructures, Intelsat enables people and their tools to speak over oceans, see across continents and listen through the skies to communicate, cooperate and coexist. Since its founding six decades ago, the company has been synonymous with satellite-industry “firsts” in service to its customers and the planet. Leaning on a legacy of innovation and focusing on addressing a new generation of challenges Intelsat team members now have their sights on the “next firsts” in space as they disrupt the field and lead in the digital transformation of the industry.
Follow Us on Social Media:
Twitter | LinkedIn | Facebook | Instagram | YouTube
To view this piece of content from cts.businesswire.com, please give your consent at the top of this page.
View source version on businesswire.com: https://www.businesswire.com/news/home/20230228005552/en/
Contact information
Melissa Longo - melissa.longo@intelsat.com; +1 240-308-1881
About Business Wire
For more than 50 years, Business Wire has been the global leader in press release distribution and regulatory disclosure.
Subscribe to releases from Business Wire
Subscribe to all the latest releases from Business Wire by registering your e-mail address below. You can unsubscribe at any time.
Latest releases from Business Wire
Brightfin Launches Spend Clearly AI to Help Enterprise Tech Leaders Take Control of Growing IT and AI Costs6.5.2026 23:32:00 EEST | Press release
Brightfin, a leader in AI native IT cost optimization, today announced the launch of Spend Clearly AI, an intelligent optimization app purpose-built for enterprise technology leaders navigating the dual pressures of rising IT complexity and rapidly escalating AI investment. As organizations race to deploy AI apps, models, and infrastructure, technology demands on the budget are expanding faster than ever and growing harder to track, justify, and control. The modern enterprise IT bill has become a moving target. Spend Clearly AI gives CIOs, CTOs, and IT finance teams a single, intelligent app to see exactly where every technology dollar is going, eliminate waste, and stay ahead of costs before they spiral. "Stop thinking about IT as a cost problem. The goal isn't just to spend less — the goal is to spend better," said Joel Martins, CEO of Brightfin. "When you have real visibility and can trace every technology dollar to what it's delivering, you stop cutting and start optimizing. CIOs w
iQmetrix to Showcase Intelligent Commerce Operating System and Catalyst Innovation at DTW Ignite 20266.5.2026 20:20:00 EEST | Press release
iQmetrix, the Intelligent Commerce Operating System for telecom, announced today it will exhibit, speak, and compete as a bronze sponsor at DTW Ignite 2026 in Copenhagen from June 23–25. The company will deliver a live product demo in The Loft, showcase its ODA PRISM Catalyst project alongside a consortium of global operators and technology partners, and exhibit at Booth #317 throughout the event. This press release features multimedia. View the full release here: https://www.businesswire.com/news/home/20260506948390/en/ The debut marks a milestone in iQmetrix’s global growth strategy and deepens its partnership with TM Forum, following its recent recognition as an ODA Component Directory Partner. The Future of Commerce Is Won at the Orchestration Layer DTW Ignite 2026’s theme, “The Future. Faster.,” captures the urgency facing communications service providers worldwide. Telcos have spent decades building world-class networks that consumers increasingly take for granted, yet that inves
Go Beyond the Guidebook: Why Ireland Rewards Those Who Slow Down6.5.2026 19:15:00 EEST | Press release
In a world where travel often feels rushed and driven by checklists, Ireland stands apart. This press release features multimedia. View the full release here: https://www.businesswire.com/news/home/20260501313521/en/ Lusty Beg Island Kesh, Co. Fermanagh The destination offers something deeper, drawing visitors beyond the expected toward richer encounters with its landscapes, culture and communities. As a compact island, Ireland gives holiday makers the chance to take in much of the destination while still travelling at a relaxed, unhurried pace. It’s a chance to slow down, not to do less, but to feel more - more calm, more connection, and more of what makes travel meaningful. This approach to travel is matched by Ireland’s natural warmth and welcome, helping visitors feel at home from the moment they arrive. Take the scenic route From the rugged coastline of the Wild Atlantic Way, one of the world’s longest coastal routes, to the rolling landscapes of Ireland’s Hidden Heartlands, Irela
TACTICA AI Introduces Region’s First AI Platform for Mission-Critical, Real-Time Operational Decisions6.5.2026 18:18:00 EEST | Press release
TACTICA AI, an Abu Dhabi-based start-up, today introduced its multi-domain decision-support platform to a wider market during Make it in the Emirates 2026. At a time of increasing operational complexity and pressure to make faster, better-informed decisions, the platform is designed to transform fragmented intelligence, sensor, and operational data into real-time decisions. This press release features multimedia. View the full release here: https://www.businesswire.com/news/home/20260506006177/en/ TACTICA AI Introduces Region’s First AI Platform for Mission-Critical, Real-Time Operational Decisions (Photo: AETOSWire) Already active in operational environments, TACTICA AI is believed to be the first publicly known platform of its type developed in the region, creating a new category of operational AI that goes beyond dashboards, data feeds, and analytics tools to support decision-making at the mission layer. The underlying technology was developed by the Technology Innovation Institute
FlightSafety International Receives FAA Approval for Virtual Aircraft Preflight Inspection with Evaluation Mode6.5.2026 17:05:00 EEST | Press release
FlightSafety International Inc., the global leader in aviation training and simulation technology, today announced it has received Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) approval for Virtual Aircraft Preflight Inspection (VAPI) with Evaluation Mode for three aircraft training programs: the Embraer EMB-550, Gulfstream G500/G600, and Citation Latitude. This innovative capability allows pilots in initial training to complete a 3D virtual aircraft preflight inspection while in Training Mode, with the added ability to transition directly into the flight deck, followed by Evaluation Mode, that allows pilots to do their preflight check ride portion. “VAPI represents a meaningful advancement in training innovation,” said David Penney, VP of Safety, Courseware and Regulatory Affairs, FlightSafety International. “By leveraging an immersive 3D environment, it offers pilots a more engaging and practical way to develop aircraft familiarity, strengthen inspection discipline, and better prepare for re
In our pressroom you can read all our latest releases, find our press contacts, images, documents and other relevant information about us.
Visit our pressroom