Honeywell Aerospace and global mobile satellite communications services provider Inmarsat have successfully completed the first phase of high speed inflight connectivity tests.

Hardware and satellite network flight tests for GX Aviation broadband services were completed using Honeywell’s JetWave-branded hardware which enables airplanes to connect to Inmarsat’s Global Xpress satellite constellation.

The tests, which included streaming YouTube videos and live radio, online conference calls, downloading files and more, were conducted in the UK in June– validating GX Aviation’s ability to deliver high-speed wi-fi connectivity while over land and water.

The tests demonstrated a successful connection between the JetWave hardware and Inmarsat’s first Global Xpress satellite, I-5 F1, which powers GX Aviation services for Europe, the Middle East, Africa and Asia. This follows the ground-based high-speed and performance tests completed in March.

“We are on the cusp of a new era of connectivity in the skies, and the successful testing of our JetWave hardware with Inmarsat’s GX Aviation network is a critical step in getting this service ready for public use,” said Jack Jacobs, vice president of Safety and Connectivity at Honeywell Aerospace. “Airlines, passengers and pilots continue to demand better, more consistent and faster in-flight wi-fi to make their jobs easier and travel experience better. The successful results of the recent tests signify that Honeywell and Inmarsat will soon satisfy these demands.”

Inmarsat Aviation president Leo Mondale said: “These flight tests are an exciting step toward the launch of GX Aviation and bringing a true broadband experience to the market. With GX Aviation, airlines and their passengers can finally experience a connectivity service equivalent to what they are used to on the ground.”

Mondale said the team of Honeywell, Inmarsat and iDirect staff are working very closely to bring GX to market. “This is the coming together of the first part of the eco-system. Next step is announcing our line-fit arrangements. And we will be standing behind our value added reseller partners to support them to meet the needs of their airline customers, ensuring airlines have a choice of service providers to meet their individual needs for in the cabin.” – TradeArabia News Service