Intelsat, operator of the world’s largest integrated satellite and terrestrial network, was selected by Skymark Airlines to provide multi-orbit inflight connectivity service on 10 Boeing 737 MAX, using Intelsat’s new electronically steered array (ESA) antenna, that delivers multi-orbit service using geostationary (GEO) and low-Earth orbit (LEO) satellites.
This new partnership is unique because Skymark will become one of the first in the Asia-Pacific region to offer Intelsat’s new hybrid service.
“Japan is a very hot IFC market, and we are proud to have been selected by Skymark to deliver a product that will keep the airline on the cutting edge. Passengers will soon benefit from multi-orbit connectivity that provides the same fast and dependable internet access they enjoy at home, thanks to Intelsat’s GEO coverage and LEO’s low latency,” said Mike DeMarco, Chief Commercial Officer at Intelsat.
The new service will be installed by Boeing in the factory on several aircraft, making Skymark one of the first airlines to take delivery of a Boeing aircraft with an ESA. The first linefit aircraft is expected to be delivered in 2026. The Intelsat ESA is less than seven centimeters tall and operates on both Intelsat’s family of GEO satellites and Eutelsat OneWeb’s constellation of LEO satellites.
“We are delighted to welcome Intelsat’s latest service as one of the first airline in the Asia-Pacific region. It is with pleasure that we introduce inflight connectivity service to our passengers, and will remain committed to providing safe, reliable, and high-quality air services.” said Manabu Motohashi, President and Representative Director of Skymark Airlines.
About Intelsat
Intelsat’s global team of professionals is focused on providing seamless and secure, satellite-based communications to government, NGO and commercial customers through the company’s next-generation worldwide network and managed services. Bridging the digital divide by operating one of the world’s largest and most advanced satellite fleet and connectivity infrastructures, Intelsat enables people and their tools to speak over oceans, see across continents and listen through the skies to communicate, cooperate and coexist. Since its founding six decades ago, the company has been synonymous with satellite-industry “firsts” in service to its customers and the planet. Leaning on a legacy of innovation and focusing on addressing a new generation of challenges Intelsat team members now have their sights on the “next firsts” in space as they disrupt the field and lead in the digital transformation of the industry.
About Skymark Airlines
Skymark Airlines, a Japanese airline, began operations on September 19, 1998, with its inaugural Haneda=Fukuoka route. Established following the deregulation of Japan’s aviation industry, Skymark Airlines operates a fleet of 29 Boeing 737-800 aircraft and serves 12 domestic airports across Japan.
With safety as its top priority, Skymark Airlines is committed to delivering high operational quality and simple, heartfelt service at accessible fares through its unique business model. The airline has been recognized for its excellence in customer satisfaction, ranking No.1 in the “Domestic Long-Haul Transportation Sector” of the JCSI (Japan Customer Satisfaction Index) survey conducted by SPRING (Service Productivity & Innovation for Growth) of the Japan Productivity Center. Skymark Airlines has achieved this distinction four times: in fiscal years 2020, 2022, 2023, and 2024.
Image credited to Mary Kirby
