Intelsat and OneWeb Partnership Brings Multi-Orbit Connectivity to Airlines Worldwide

Rhea-AI Summary

Intelsat and OneWeb have formed a global distribution partnership to enhance inflight connectivity (IFC) solutions for airlines. This collaboration allows Intelsat to distribute OneWeb's low Earth orbit (LEO) satellite services, paired with its own geo-stationary (GEO) satellite offerings. The multi-orbit solution aims to provide airlines with consistent connectivity, mitigating coverage gaps. The companies expect to launch this innovative service by 2024, promising airlines a robust IFC experience and facilitating a digitalization strategy for connected onboard services.

Positive

• Partnership with OneWeb enhances Intelsat's IFC solutions for airlines.
• Expected 2024 launch of multi-orbit connectivity improves service reliability.
• Combination of LEO and GEO capabilities provides comprehensive coverage for airline passengers.

Negative

• None.

CHICAGO & LONDON--(BUSINESS WIRE)-- Leading satellite communications companies OneWeb and Intelsat have signed a global distribution partnership agreement to offer airlines a seamless inflight connectivity (IFC) solution with the best combination of performance, coverage, and reliability on the market. The partnership enables Intelsat to distribute OneWeb’s ground-breaking low Earth orbit (LEO) satellite services to airlines worldwide, coupled with Intelsat’s extensive IFC experience and existing geo-stationary (GEO) satellite service. The result is a truly multi-orbit solution for the aviation community, leveraging the benefits of both networks.

Woman enjoying seamless connectivity on her mobile device during her flight. (Photo: Business Wire)

By harnessing the power of multi-orbit capabilities, Intelsat will ensure airlines and their passengers are able to enjoy the best IFC, without compromise. Airlines and their passengers will no longer have to accept significant gaps in IFC coverage or capacity – even at busy hubs, across oceans, and over polar routes. Intelsat will seamlessly manage connectivity, allowing passengers to remain connected no matter where they are.

The companies expect the multi-orbit solution to be in service by 2024.

“This level of connectivity will enable airlines to maximize brand affiliation with passengers through all their onboard services – delivering a truly connected end-to-end passenger journey,” said Jeff Sare, president of Intelsat’s Commercial Aviation. “The hybrid service offering further allows the global airline community to plan their suite of next-generation onboard services with confidence – not only ensuring a future-proofed passenger inflight connectivity experience, but also the implementation of a connected airline digitalization strategy.”

“This is a watershed moment for the inflight connectivity market, and we’re excited to work together with Intelsat to bring our multi-orbit solution to commercial aviation. We’re committed to delivering the most differentiated and innovative solution for airlines,” said Ben Griffin, OneWeb vice president, Mobility Services. “We are proving that, through the power of partnership, a superior suite of multi-orbit capabilities can be offered to better serve the growing connectivity needs of the commercial aviation industry, delivering the highest value coupled with the lowest risk.”

About OneWeb

OneWeb is a global communications network powered from space, headquartered in London, enabling connectivity for governments, businesses, and communities. It is implementing a constellation of Low Earth Orbit satellites with a network of global gateway stations and a range of user terminals to provide an affordable, fast, high-speed and low-latency communications service, connected to the IoT future and a pathway to 5G. Find out more at http://www.oneweb.world.

About Intelsat

As the foundational architects of satellite technology, Intelsat operates the world’s most trusted satellite telecom network. We apply our unparalleled expertise and global scale to connect people, businesses, governments, and communities, no matter how difficult the challenge. Intelsat is building the future of global communications with the world’s first hybrid, multi-orbit, software-defined 5G network designed for simple, seamless, and secure coverage precisely when and where our customers most need it. Follow the leader in global connectivity and “Imagine Here,” with us, at Intelsat.com

View source version on businesswire.com: https://www.businesswire.com/news/home/20220810005716/en/

Media Contact:

Intelsat – Clay McConnell – clay.mcconnell@intelsat.com; +1 703 559 7236

OneWeb – Nick Maynard – nmaynard@oneweb.net +44 7464 494499

Source: Intelsat

FAQ

What is the partnership between Intelsat and OneWeb about?

Intelsat and OneWeb have partnered to enhance inflight connectivity (IFC) solutions for airlines, combining OneWeb's LEO satellite services and Intelsat's GEO capabilities.

When will the multi-orbit IFC solution be available?

The multi-orbit IFC solution is expected to be in service by 2024.

How does this partnership benefit airline passengers?

The partnership aims to provide airline passengers with seamless and reliable inflight connectivity without significant gaps in service.

What does this mean for Intelsat's stock performance?

While the press release does not provide specific financial metrics, the partnership could potentially enhance Intelsat's market position and revenue opportunities.