SIA unveils high-speed WiFi for long-haul flights

Data speeds could reach 50Mbps.

Passengers on Singapore Airline flights will soon be able to enjoy Internet speeds of up to 50 Mbps, after the flag carrier selected Global Xpress (GX) Aviation as its inflight connectivity service.

Singapore Airlines will use Inmarsat’s GX Aviation satellite network to provide Wi-Fi and mobile phone text and data services on its long range fleet.

The onboard Wi-Fi will reflect what most people are used to at home, GX said in a release.

The first installation is scheduled for the second half of 2016, starting with Singapore Airlines’ Boeing B777-300ER aircraft, followed by its Airbus A380-800s.

The services will be provided to the airline by Inmarsat partner SITAONAIR and powered by Honeywell’s JetWave satellite communications hardware.