Inmarsat PLC Successful launch of Inmarsat S EAN satellite (5073J)
29 June 2017 - 4:01PM
UK Regulatory
TIDMISAT
RNS Number : 5073J
Inmarsat PLC
29 June 2017
Inmarsat confirms successful launch of S-band satellite for the
European Aviation Network
29 June 2017: Inmarsat (LON: ISAT), the world's leading provider
of global mobile satellite communications, has confirmed the
successful launch of its S-band satellite (Inmarsat S EAN) for the
European Aviation Network (EAN). The launch is a key milestone for
Inmarsat's unique EAN service, which is on course to commence
commercial service in the second half of 2017.
The Inmarsat S-band satellite, built by France's Thales Alenia
Space, was launched on an Ariane 5 rocket by Arianespace at 22:15
BST/17:15 EDT from Kourou in French Guiana. Following satellite
separation at 22:43 BST/17:43 EDT, telemetry from the satellite was
acquired by Inmarsat's Mingenew Ground Station in Western Australia
at 22:50 BST/17:50 EDT.
The launch team from Inmarsat and Thales Alenia Space will now
raise the satellite into its geostationary orbit over Europe and
the Middle East, at which point the spacecraft will deploy its
solar arrays and reflectors, and undergo rigorous payload
testing.
Inmarsat's EAN is the world's first dedicated aviation
connectivity solution to integrate space-based and ground-based
networks to deliver a seamless WiFi experience for airline
passengers throughout Europe. Inmarsat's strategic partner,
Deutsche Telekom, is well advanced in the construction of the
complementary ground network, which will be fully integrated with
the S-band satellite to deliver a truly seamless service for
Europe's airlines and their passengers.
International Airlines Group (IAG), which includes world
renowned airline brands such as British Airways, Iberia, Aer Lingus
and Vueling, is confirmed as the launch customer for the new
service. IAG has begun equipping its aircraft and aims to have 90%
of its short haul fleet complete by early 2019.
The successful launch of the S-band satellite underlines the
momentum that Inmarsat is building in the high-speed broadband
inflight connectivity (IFC) market, which Inmarsat entered in
October 2016 with the commercial introduction of GX Aviation, a
worldwide service powered by its Ka-band, Global Xpress satellite
constellation.
Inmarsat now has over 1,200 aircraft installations expected
under signed contracts for its IFC services. Mandates have been won
from leading airlines worldwide including Avianca, Qatar Airways,
Deutsche Lufthansa Group, International Airlines Group, Air New
Zealand, Singapore Airlines and Norwegian Air Shuttle.
"Inmarsat and its partners have been making very strong progress
in the IFC market and the successful launch of our S-band satellite
means that the start of our revolutionary European Aviation Network
is now just months away, " said Rupert Pearce, CEO, Inmarsat.
"We first announced our plans for EAN in 2014, seeking to take
advantage of a visionary and unique commercial and technological
opportunity created by the European Commission's DG CONNECT and
subsequently supported by Member State telecoms regulators. It is a
testament to the continued support of European Institutions and
national regulatory authorities, the hard work of multiple teams
across Inmarsat and the commitment of our vital strategic partners,
including Deutsche Telekom, Thales Alenia Space, Thales Aviation,
Cobham and Arianespace, that we now stand on the threshold of a new
aviation WiFi service that will transform the experience of
passengers flying throughout Europe.
"Although Inmarsat is a relatively new entrant into the
high-speed aviation passenger broadband market, we have secured
commitments for our IFC services from major airlines in Europe and
across the world. Their confidence underlines the strength of
Inmarsat's IFC strategy and the long-term, scalable capabilities of
our two core IFC networks - GX Aviation and EAN. We are focused on
delivering the most reliable, seamless connectivity services to
airlines and remain the only major provider to deliver guaranteed
performance commitments."
ENDS
For further information
Investors Media
Rob Gurner Jonathan Sinnatt/Mary Whenman
+44 (0)20 7728 1518 +44 (0)20 7728 1935/1492
Rob.gurner@inmarsat.com press@inmarsat.com
About Inmarsat
Inmarsat plc is the leading provider of global mobile satellite
communications services. Since 1979, Inmarsat has been providing
reliable voice and high-speed data communications to governments,
enterprises and other organizations, with a range of services that
can be used on land, at sea or in the air. Inmarsat operates around
the world, with a presence in the major ports and centres of
commerce on every continent. Inmarsat is listed on the London Stock
Exchange (ISAT.L). For more information, please visit
www.inmarsat.com.
The Inmarsat press release newsfeed and corporate updates are on
@InmarsatGlobal.
This information is provided by RNS
The company news service from the London Stock Exchange
END
PRLFMGZVZRVGNZZ
(END) Dow Jones Newswires
June 29, 2017 02:01 ET (06:01 GMT)
Inmarsat (LSE:ISAT)
Historical Stock Chart
From Apr 2024 to May 2024
Inmarsat (LSE:ISAT)
Historical Stock Chart
From May 2023 to May 2024