Intelsat has partnered with Tokyo-based Japan Airlines Co., Ltd., to launch its connectivity service on the Embraer E190 aircraft for its subsidiary J-AIR Co. Ltd., according to a press release.
“We work together with Intelsat to deliver the best connectivity experience across Japan Airlines and the JAL group fleet,” said Keisuke Suzuki, Japan Airlines senior vice president of customer experience. "Intelsat's capable and reliable 2Ku system will provide miles of entertainment for our customers, making J-AIR the first regional aircraft to offer IFC services in Japan.”
Japan Airlines is credited with installing Intelsat's 2Ku system on J-AIR's first E190 aircraft, and plans to help install 13 more aircraft by fall 2024.
The six-year-old collaboration has provided access to free wireless entertainment services onboard, and developed an E190 equipped with the Intelsat 2 system.
"Intelsat's mission is to provide quality, reliable connectivity for both work and play, an essential element for airline partners and passengers alike," said Dave Bijur, Intelsat's senior vice president of commercial aviation. “While having wireless entertainment was a great first step, J-AIR also knows the importance of connectivity. Adding 2Ku will make it possible to provide the same free in-flight internet experience since 2017 on larger aircraft. For Intelsat, this represents a great opportunity to shine in front of other E190 operators around the world who want to offer a free service to all their passengers.”