Intelsat, an operator of one of the world’s largest integrated satellite and terrestrial networks and leading provider of in-flight connectivity (IFC), announced that it has been selected to provide high-speed in-flight Wi-Fi to Virgin Australia’s fleet of existing 737NG aircraft and future-delivery 737MAX aircraft.
Intelsat’s 2Ku satellite connectivity solution will deliver industry-leading speeds to support video streaming, web browsing, and anything else Virgin’s guests want to do with Wi-Fi-enabled devices onboard their flights.
A recent survey of Virgin Australia customers indicated Wi-Fi connectivity was an important part of travel for one in three leisure travelers and almost half of the business passengers.
“We are laser-focused on creating great travel experiences for our guests when they fly with Virgin Australia,” said Virgin Australia Group Chief Customer and Digital Officer, Paul Jones. “We also listened to our guests, and overwhelmingly they told us that Wi-Fi was important to them.”
The popular in-flight feature will be complimentary for the airline’s Business Class guests and Beyond and Velocity Platinum members. For all other guests, Wi-Fi access will be available for a nominal fee.
“We’re going to deliver a streaming-quality, always-on, reliable in-flight internet product onboard Virgin Australia’s fleet of 737 aircraft,” said Dave Bijur, SVP of Intelsat Commercial Aviation. “We’re adding 737MAX aircraft for the first time with Virgin Australia, and they’ve made a technology decision that expands our relationship and will delight their guests.”
The 2Ku antennas that facilitate the IFC system will be installed gradually over 18 months on more than half of the airline’s fleet starting mid-December 2022.
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