Dubai-based airline Emirates and Thales, a global technology company, have signed a new agreement to equip its Boeing 777X fleet with the next generation broadband in-flight connectivity using Inmarsat GX global network.

The partnership will give Emirates customers best in class connectivity on its Boeing 777X aircraft due for delivery starting in 2020.

Emirates and Thales already have an existing multi-million dollar deal to fit its Boeing 777X fleet with a next generation Thales AVANT in-flight entertainment system. The new agreement is part of the Emirates and Thales’ plans to develop and enhance the state-of-the-art in-flight entertainment and connectivity (IFEC) on the 777X fleet.

Over the years, Emirates has invested over $200 million to equip its aircraft with connectivity. Demand for Wi-Fi on board has been steadily increasing and today over 800,000 passengers per month connect while in-flight. Emirates offers all its customers 20MB of complimentary Wi-Fi data on board while Emirates Skywards members in First Class and Business Class enjoy unlimited complimentary wi-fi and discounted plans in Economy Class.

Emirates, Thales and Inmarsat have invested heavily in the new generation Wi-Fi solution and will work together to meet increasing demand for Wi-Fi on board. Broadband connectivity speeds coupled with Thales’ AVANT innovative and highly customisable IFE system will provide a further boost to Emirates’ award-winning in-flight entertainment system, ice.

Emirates is the largest operator of the Boeing 777 aircraft, one of the most popular and advanced wide-bodied aircraft in commercial operation today. The airline has 165 Boeing 777s in its fleet, and a further 164 on firm order, including 150 of the next generation Boeing 777x aircraft. – TradeArabia News Service