SES to deliver connectivity to planes
October 30, 2014
By Chris Forrester
Satellite operator SES is linking with Global Eagle Entertainment (GEE) to provide bandwidth for in-flight connectivity to airlines around the world. GEE supplies aircraft with WiFi, movies and TV to some 150 airlines around the world. GEE’s “Row 44” division serves more than 520 aircraft including those of Southwest Airlines, Icelandair, Norwegian Air, Transaero, mango,
“We see this as the beginning of a strong strategic partnership between SES and GEE that enables us to broaden our in-flight connectivity capabilities to airline customers,” explained Aditya Chatterjee, CTO at GEE. “The demand for in-flight connectivity has never been greater, particularly with airlines looking to serve passengers and drive ancillary revenue. As we continue to expand internationally, SES’s broad coverage area, technology capabilities, and sales and service commitments provide us with a solution that meets our airline customers’ short and long-haul needs and the passengers’ desire to always be connected.”
GEE was founded by serial entrepreneurs Harry Sloan and Jeff Sagansky, and acquired Row 44 in August 2012.
The new agreement includes access to the existing SES network, as well as to upcoming high throughput satellite (HTS) spot beam-based systems, providing significant increases in bandwidth speeds. This partnership enhances GEE’s position as a leader in the in-flight entertainment and connectivity (IFE&C) market. GEE provides its airline customers with innovative content, connectivity, and digital media solutions that drive passenger engagement and enable new ancillary revenue opportunities.