Inmarsat confirmed that the European Aviation satellite successfully completed in-orbit tests and is ready to support inflight internet services when the European Aviation Network (EAN) goes ‘live’ later in 2017. The satellite, built by France’s Thales Alenia Space, was launched by Arianespace in June. EAN is a ground-to-air network for in-flight broadband services and is available to 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 service for Europe’s airlines and their passengers.

International Airlines Group (IAG), which includes airline brands such as British Airways, Iberia, Aer Lingus and Vueling, is the launch customer for the new service