The launch of Inmarsat’s Global Xpress (GX) Aviation solution this year creates the world’s first high-speed passenger in-flight connectivity solution with seamless, end-to-end global coverage, delivered through a single operator. Engineered to meet the needs of complex and evolving airline route systems, initial airline customers include Lufthansa, Singapore Airlines and Jazeera Airways.

The GX network, which entered commercial service in December 2015 and currently includes three Ka-band satellites, will provide the international bandwidth capacity needed to meet existing and near-term demand from airlines.

As part of the aviation broadband road map, it also provides a global coverage underlay that will be built upon to meet future demand.

Inmarsat has already committed to a fourth GX satellite, which is completing construction and testing by Boeing and will provide additional network capacity. It has also awarded Airbus Defence and Space a contract to build the first two satellites for its sixth-generation fleet, the first of which is scheduled for delivery by 2020.

The new fleet will feature a dual-payload, with each satellite supporting both Ka-band and L-band services.

Based on current services and demand, the Ka-band co-payload will augment the capacity of the GX network over busy air routes and regions, while the L-band capacity supports a new generation of aviation safety services.