Singapore Airlines launches SwiftBroadband-based connectivity services

Passengers can use Wi-Fi and GSM/GPRS while on board.

In a release, Singapore Airlines has launched SwiftBroadband-based passenger connectivity services on an initial 14 A340, A380 and B777 aircraft, with full roll-out on the current fleet within two years.

Programme allows passengers to use their Wi-Fi and GSM/GPRS-enabled smartphones, tablets and laptops PCs for Internet access, email, Instant Messaging and SMS messaging.

SwiftBroadband is trusted by airlines around the globe for reliable and consistent high data rate IP-based satcoms services, supporting communications and applications for both passengers and airlines.

Following an introductory launch earlier in the year, in-flight connectivity is now available on 14 Singapore Airlines aircraft, including all five Airbus A340-500s which are deployed on the world’s longest non-stop flights, between Singapore and both Newark and Los Angeles, as well as on Airbus A380-800s. It will also be available on the airline’s Boeing B777-300ERs.

Inmarsat SwiftBroadband is specifically designed to provide reliable and ubiquitous high data rate IP-based satellite communications coverage, to enable in-flight connectivity for airlines and their passengers across the world. SwiftBroadband already delivers multiple channels of IP communications to aircraft and Inmarsat will continue to evolve the service in terms of bandwidth and applications in the coming months, further enhancing the business benefits of SwiftBroadband and giving its airline customers the competitive edge.

David Coiley, Inmarsat Vice President, Aviation, said, “Inmarsat welcomes Singapore Airlines as a SwiftBroadband customer. Singapore Airlines is one of the most prominent architects of the modern in-flight experience. The fact that this industry leader selected SwiftBroadband is a great testament to what can be achieved, now, with this much-trusted platform."