Intelligent CIO Middle East Issue 20 | Page 41

COUNTRY FOCUS: QATAR important. We have recently announced further satellite coverage plans (to cover many of the heavy airline routes from this region) and in Europe we will soon launch an alternative technology called the European Aviation Network that employs both satellite and air-to-ground in an integrated network. Watch this space for future enhancements to our offerings in this region and globally. How is this system superior to others on the market? Inmarsat is built on a heritage of saving lives – based upon a robust, high performing network that must deliver at all times; regardless of the time of day, geography, or land-sea-air. In order to do this, we’ve had to build, own and operate our own networks to ensure we can deliver exactly this. Naturally, it is our responsibility to maintain these important services that are relied on in all sectors, but we now build on this legacy to create global networks that employ the same philosophy of network availability, but applied to differing markets. For passenger inflight connectivity, for example, Inmarsat has deployed a constellation of satellites covering the globe that provides real broadband performance to passengers enabling streaming, browsing, messaging, TV and so on. This is not in the way that has been ‘partially’ available before, which was dependent on where you flew and how many other planes were sharing your bandwidth – but based upon real guaranteed data rates, using network techniques, monitoring and operations that we have honed over our decades of experience of operating networks efficiently. ¡ www.intelligentcio.com Qatar Airways’ fleet of aircraft fly to all corners of the world Qatar Airways became the first Middle East megacarrier to select Inmarsat’s advanced new GX Aviation in-flight broadband solution. In a landmark agreement, the next-generation service will initially be available to Qatar Airways passengers on board more than 130 aircraft, consisting of Airbus A350s and Boeing 777s. GX Aviation is the world’s first in-flight connectivity solution with reliable, seamless high-speed global coverage provided through a single operator. It allows airline passengers to browse the internet, stream videos, check social media and more during flights, with an on-board connectivity experience on par with broadband services available on the ground. Leo Mondale, President of Inmarsat Aviation, said: “Qatar Airways is one of the world’s most successful, fastest growing and in-demand airlines, with an unwavering focus on providing the best service possible. It has offered Inmarsat’s SwiftBroadband connectivity solution for over five years now. However, with our next generation GX Aviation service now live, its upgrade to true broadband on more than 130 aircraft initially will ensure passengers have access to consistent, reliable and high-speed connectivity wherever they fly. “Qatar Airways considered all available options in the connectivity market and selected Inmarsat due to our unique infrastructure, proven aerospace partners, and committed long-term development strategy.” The service will integrate with Qatar Airways’ award-winning in-flight entertainment system and ensure that connectivity initiatives, such as its passenger app and aircraft technology, will be strengthened using dependable in-flight broadband. GX Aviation also complements the airline’s latest passenger experience innovations, including its unique and revolutionary new Qsuite premium travel experience. ¡ INTELLIGENTCIO 41