Inmarsat (Viasat) · GEO Ka-band Satellite
Inmarsat GX Aviation
Inmarsat's Global Xpress Ka-band network powers in-flight WiFi for many European and Middle Eastern carriers. Viasat acquired Inmarsat in 2023, but GX still operates as a separate service.
Inmarsat GX Aviation (Jet ConneX in the business jet world) is a Ka-band satellite WiFi service operated by Inmarsat, which Viasat acquired in 2023. The network runs Lufthansa Group's FlyNet across the A320-family short-haul fleet, Singapore Airlines' KrisFlyer WiFi on the A350 and 787-10s, plus Iberia, Vueling, Aer Lingus, Norwegian, and parts of Emirates' pre-Starlink fleet. Honeywell JetWave is the business-aviation hardware platform that connects to the same Inmarsat GX satellites. GX is the strongest international Ka-band service today, though Lufthansa Group announced a multi-year transition to Starlink starting 2026.
Strengths
- True global Ka-band coverage, including oceans and polar routes
- Strong reliability across European and Middle Eastern carriers
- Free for elite-tier loyalty members on Lufthansa and Singapore
Drawbacks
- Latency about 600ms, so video calls are choppy
- Paid for non-elite passengers on most carriers
- Lufthansa Group is migrating to Starlink through 2029
How fast is Inmarsat GX Aviation in flight?
Around 50 Mbps download with 600ms latency. Streaming and browsing work well. Lufthansa's short-haul FlyNet averages 50 Mbps. Singapore's wider-bandwidth installs run closer to 80-100. As with any GEO Ka-band service, video calls and gaming struggle with the latency. Global coverage is strong, including transoceanic.
Is Inmarsat GX Aviation free?
Free for KrisFlyer members on Singapore Airlines, all cabins. Free for Lufthansa Group HON Circle, Senator, and Frequent Traveller tiers. Other passengers pay €5-29. Iberia and Aer Lingus charge for full internet, offer free messaging. Emirates includes WiFi free with most fares.
Inmarsat GX Aviation FAQ
Which airlines use Inmarsat GX Aviation?
Lufthansa Group (Lufthansa, SWISS, Austrian, Brussels — short-haul fleet), Singapore Airlines (A350 and 787-10 fleet), Iberia, Vueling, Aer Lingus, Emirates (pre-Starlink fleet), Norwegian, and Air New Zealand.
How fast is Inmarsat GX in-flight WiFi?
Around 50 Mbps typical, with newer installs hitting 100. Latency about 600ms. Plenty for streaming and browsing, painful for video calls.
Is Lufthansa FlyNet free?
Free for HON Circle, Senator, and Frequent Traveller loyalty tiers. Other passengers pay €5-29 per flight depending on duration and data plan.
Is Singapore Airlines WiFi free?
Yes for KrisFlyer members in all cabins on the A350 and 787-10 fleet. Non-members can sign up free at no cost. Older Singapore aircraft running Panasonic eXConnect have different pricing.
Inmarsat GX vs Starlink?
Starlink is faster (200+ Mbps vs 50) and much lower latency (30ms vs 600). GX remains widely deployed and reliable; carriers are transitioning to Starlink but the rollouts will take years. GX is the strongest international Ka-band option in the meantime.
Did Viasat buy Inmarsat?
Yes, in 2023. The networks remain operationally distinct. Inmarsat GX runs under its own brand, and Viasat Ka-band continues separately. Future capacity sharing is likely but neither has been folded into the other yet.
Does Inmarsat GX work over the ocean?
Yes. Full global coverage including all major ocean transit routes. The GX constellation was designed for worldwide aviation, maritime, and government use.
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