Air China has inked an agreement to trial Global Eagle Entertainment’s inflight high-speed Internet solution aboard a Boeing 777-200, marking the carrier’s first launch of Ku-band satellite powered service.
The trial, expected to commence this year, will enable Air China’s passengers to access the Internet and stored content on approved handheld devices, in accordance with applicable Chinese regulations.
Global Eagle will provide its complete Ku-band connectivity solution as well as support for aeronautical certifications, training, and program management. Both parties are in the process of completing various certification processes, and will gain all required authorizations to operate services on the 777-200 aircraft.
A Global Eagle spokeswoman tells Runway Girl Network that the company in the process of compiling a certification package for the STC to submit for review and approval. Once secured, this will be the third STC for Global Eagle; the company has STC for the 737 and 757.
“As China’s Flag Carrier, Air China is known around the world for their superior and innovative services, and Global Eagle appreciates the wonderful opportunity to work with them on providing their newest service enhancement to benefit passengers,” says Global Eagle CEO John LaValle.
Meanwhile, China Telecom Satellite Communications will be assisting Global Eagle in establishing a teleport based on the Hughes HX architecture. “Once established in China, Global Eagle and China Satcom can quickly activate more airlines and aircraft on this powerful, secure network,” says the Global Eagle spokeswoman.
