Spain’s new long-haul airline is providing world-class connectivity onboard its Airbus A350 aircraft, powered by SITA’s Internet ONAIR using Inmarsat’s award-winning GX Aviation.
Inmarsat, the world leader in global mobile satellite communications, announced on Monday (Nov. 22) that its award-winning GX Aviation inflight broadband solution is now available to passengers travelling with the new Spanish airline World2Fly, in partnership with SITA as the service provider.
The long-haul carrier, founded by Spanish hotel group Iberostar, provides advanced, high-speed GX Aviation connectivity onboard its first Airbus A350-900 aircraft. Passengers can access the service thanks to SITA’s Internet ONAIR solution, allowing them to browse the internet, stream video and audio, shop online, or keep in touch with friends and loved ones. The seamless experience offers passengers the same broadband reliability and consistency in the air as they are used to on the ground.
World2fly’s A350-900s feature a modern and comfortable single-class cabin layout with 432 seats. The Mallorca-based airline will expand its fleet and operate flights from Madrid to leisure destinations such as Punta Cana (Dominican Republic) and Cancún (Mexico).
Bruno Claeys, Managing Director of World2Fly, said: “Our passengers expect fast, reliable, and uninterrupted connectivity as part of our onboard offering wherever we fly. We are delighted that SITA’s Internet ONAIR solution using Inmarsat GX Aviation delivers this on our first Airbus A350. We have developed a modern, world-class flight experience, and we look forward to extending the solution to other aircraft as they are added to our fleet.”
Demand for inflight connectivity has soared as passengers start returning to the skies after the COVID-19 pandemic. According to Inmarsat’s recently released 2021 Passenger Confidence Tracker, the largest and most comprehensive global survey of its kind since the pandemic began, 41% of respondents believe that having Wi-Fi on their flights is even more important now than pre-COVID. Wi-Fi allows them to stay connected with friends and family and supports a touch-free environment.
Niels Steenstrup, Inmarsat Aviation’s Senior Vice President of Inflight Connectivity Business, said: “Despite being one of the world’s newest airlines, World2Fly has already established an impressive reputation amongst passengers. We are proud that GX Aviation is playing such an important role in the airline’s onboard experience. The response from passengers has been extremely positive and, together with our partner SITA, we look forward to supporting the airline’s ambitious growth plans.”
Sebastien Fabre, CEO of SITA FOR AIRCRAFT, added: “SITA and Inmarsat have a hugely successful track record in providing airlines across the world with market-leading inflight connectivity. We are overjoyed to welcome World2Fly as our latest customer as demand for inflight connectivity reaches new heights. Our ready-made solution perfectly meets the current and future needs of the airline and its passengers for a digitalized onboard experience.”
