IAG signs wifi deal for short-haul aircraft

British Airways’ parent company IAG has signed a contract with global mobile satellite communications provider Inmarsat.

The deal means the airline group will be the launch customer for its new European Aviation Network (EAN) high-speed broadband service.

According to Inmarsat, EAN “allows European passengers to use their personal devices for internet browsing, video streaming, gaming and other online services, with unmatched high capacity, low-latency performance”.

IAG – the parent company of Aer Lingus, British Airways, Iberia and Vueling – plans to equip in excess of 300 aircraft with EAN and aims to have 90 per cent of its short haul fleet complete by early 2019.

Commenting on the agreement Leo Mondale, President of Inmarsat Aviation, said:

“The rollout of our European Aviation Network, which we are building together with our partner Deutsche Telekom, is progressing at full pace and today’s contract signing with IAG as our launch customer has reinforced once again how Inmarsat’s aviation strategy is coming together.

“Passenger demand for in-flight broadband has never been stronger and Inmarsat’s cutting-edge technology will remain the market’s gold standard for a long time to come.

“We look forward to rolling out this ground-breaking service with Aer Lingus, British Airways, Iberia and Vueling, four of the most iconic brands in commercial aviation.”