Intelsat to Provide Inflight Connectivity Service to LATAM Airlines'; new Airbus Fleet

Rhea-AI Summary

Intelsat and LATAM Airlines Group announced the installation of Intelsat’s connectivity service on 160 Airbus narrow-body aircraft, enhancing inflight connectivity across Latin America. The three-year project will involve new installations on approximately 70 aircraft prior to delivery from U.S. and European manufacturing sites. The initiative aims to improve customer experience, particularly in Spanish-speaking regions. Intelsat’s investment of $2B supports the development of a global unified network and includes the deployment of software-defined satellites.

Positive

• Contract for connectivity services with LATAM covering 160 aircraft over three years.
• Significant investment of $2B to develop a global unified network.
• Installation of Intelsat’s 2Ku system on new aircraft enhances passenger experience.

Negative

• None.

Newly installed aircraft will feature best connectivity experience across Latin America

MCLEAN, Va.--(BUSINESS WIRE)-- Intelsat, operator of the world’s largest integrated satellite, terrestrial network and leading provider of Inflight Connectivity (IFC) services, along with LATAM Airlines Group today announced Intelsat’s connectivity service will be installed in its fleet of Airbus narrow body aircraft including A320ceo and A320neo variants, based in Chile, Ecuador, Peru and Colombia. The installations will include up to 160 total aircraft and will take three years to complete. Approximately 70 new-delivery aircraft are expected to be installed with Intelsat’s 2Ku system by Airbus, prior to delivery to LATAM, at its manufacturing sites in the U.S. and Europe. When completed the entire fleet of LATAM narrow body aircraft will be served by Intelsat’s IFC service.

“We have worked closely with Intelsat to deliver the best connectivity experience on our aircraft based in Brazil, but we know our customers in Spanish-speaking markets want the same onboard experience. Today’s announcement is the first step on that journey, as we aim to deliver the best connectivity service experience in the region using Intelsat’s 2Ku system,” said LATAM’s Vice President of Clients, Paulo Miranda.

“At Intelsat, our mission is to provide quality, reliable connectivity for work and entertainment which is essential for airline partners and passengers alike,” commented Dave Bijur, senior vice president of Commercial for Intelsat Commercial Aviation. “LATAM is an important customer to us and we look forward to providing their passengers across South America with the exceptional customer service not just today and tomorrow but for decades to come.”

With an initial $2B investment, Intelsat is building the world’s first global unified network to support the next generation of global mobility. This includes a new fleet of software-defined satellites (SDS) to meet airline passenger demand for streaming-quality inflight connectivity. Intelsat brings airlines the scale and flexibility they depend upon to deliver outstanding passenger experiences at any point in their route or network.

For more information about Intelsat’s commercial aviation connectivity products, visit here.

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 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.

About LATAM Airlines Group

LATAM is the principal group of airlines in Latin America present in five domestic markets in the region: Brazil, Chile, Colombia, Ecuador and Peru, in addition to international operations inside Latin America and between it and Europe, the United States, and the Caribbean.

The group has a fleet of Boeing 767, 777, 787, Airbus A321, A320, A320neo and A319 aircraft.

LATAM Cargo Chile, LATAM Cargo Colombia, and LATAM Cargo Brazil are the LATAM Airlines freight subsidiaries. In addition to having access to the passenger cargo holds of LATAM Airlines Group, they have a fleet of 11 freighters, which will gradually increase to a total of up to 21 freighters by 2023.

They operate on the LATAM Airlines Group network as well as international routes that are solely used for shipping. They offer modern Infrastructure, a wide variety of services and protection options to meet all customer needs.

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View source version on businesswire.com: https://www.businesswire.com/news/home/20220207005519/en/

Media Contacts:

Melissa Longo - melissa.longo@intelsat.com; +1 240-308-1881

LATAM’s External Communications Team - comunicaciones.externas@latam.com

Source: Intelsat

FAQ

What is the new connectivity service agreement between Intelsat and LATAM Airlines?

Intelsat and LATAM Airlines Group have announced a three-year agreement to install Intelsat’s connectivity service on 160 Airbus narrow-body aircraft.

How many aircraft will be equipped with Intelsat's 2Ku system?

Up to 160 Airbus narrow-body aircraft in LATAM's fleet will be equipped with Intelsat's 2Ku system.

What is the investment amount for the Intelsat connectivity project?

Intelsat is investing $2 billion to develop its global unified network for inflight connectivity.

When will the installation of the connectivity system be completed?

The installation of Intelsat's connectivity service is expected to take three years to complete.

Which regions will benefit from the new connectivity service?

The new connectivity service will enhance inflight experiences for passengers traveling across Latin America.