American Airlines selects Intelsat connectivity for nearly 500 regional aircraft
An American Airlines aircraft takes to the skies
American Airlines announced this week its plans to make high-speed connectivity available across its domestic fleet. American is working with Intelsat to install high-speed Wi-Fi capability on nearly 500 regional aircraft, beginning in 2024. The expansion project is expected to take place over the next two years, the press release said.
The airline currently offers high-speed Wi-Fi to passengers on more than 900 mainline aircraft. The goal for the company is to bring the total number of satellite-connected aircraft to more than 1,400 once the updates to regional aircraft are complete.
American Airlines will use Intelsat’s Electronically Steered Array (ESA) antennae, a unique multi-orbit product interoperating on both Intelsat’s family of geostationary satellites and on a constellation of Low-Earth Orbit (LEO) satellites. The result is low latency high-speed internet connection for passengers.
Intelsat’s technology will allow the airline’s regional aircraft to match the fast Wi-Fi speeds available on the mainline aircraft. Passengers will be able to stream, browse the web, check email and log onto a VPN while onboard.
