In a major milestone, Qatar Airways now has 100 aircraft fitted out with its “Super Wi-Fi” product.
And it’s an important step at this time.
Qatar Airways Airbus A350-900 climbing out of Manchester Airport – Image, Economy Class and Beyond
The 100th Aircraft to be fitted the GX Aviation connectivity soultion was A7-ALC – an Airbus A350-900.
The installation programme has been running since 2018 as Qatar Airways migrates from its previous L-Band products to Inmarsat Global Express (GX) Aviation product.
GX Aviation allows for greater bandwidth applications, enabling passengers to browse the internet, check social media, stream videos and more.
Qatar Airways passengers on flights fitted with GX Aviation can receive up to one-hour free access to the Super Wi-Fi service, with the ability to purchase full-flight access if more online time is needed.
In use
I used GX Aviation last year when flying with Qatar Airways – and it’s an improvement, compared to L-Band communications.
On QR302 Helsinki – Doha – Trip report here
Onboard QR833 – Bangkok to Doha. Trip Report here
Let’s compare that against the older L-Band system that was previously used
On QR168 Stockholm to Doha – Trip Report here.
There’s no contest really in terms of speed – however, it is a little limited for those who wish to stream video and so on.
In Quotes
Qatar Airways Group Chief Executive, Mr Akbar Al Baker, said:
“As a leader of innovation within the global aviation industry, Qatar Airways already operates one of the youngest and most technologically-advanced fleet in the skies. Where other airlines are reducing their wi-fi offering, Qatar Airways is expanding it.
“With connection to our loved ones and friends now more important than ever during these challenging times, we are delighted to work with Inmarsat and its GX Aviation technology to bring high-speed Super Wi-Fi broadband to passengers on board our fleet as part of Qatar Airways’ exceptional five-star service.”
Inmarsat Aviation President, Mr Philip Balaam, said:
“Qatar Airways is world renowned for offering a superior onboard experience, which is enjoyed by millions of loyal passengers across the world. We are pleased that our GX Aviation inflight broadband has become such an important component of that experience on the airline’s extensive fleet. Feedback from passengers has been hugely positive and now, with the service being available on 100 aircraft, even more can enjoy the best connectivity in the skies.”
Connectivity is more important than ever
In these times, if you’re travelling, you will want to be connected as much as possible – be it to loved ones on the ground, letting people know you’re safe or keeping up to date with the headlines and requirements to enter a country.
Having solutions like GX Aviation installed can give a little peace of mind – along with the possibility of not touching other IFE system and utilising your own electronics to be entertained in flights.
And if that connectivity means missing all the older Qatar Airways aircraft with L-Band connectivity, the better…
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