Embraer to offer Intelsat's factory installed high speed WiFi system

Embraer has finalized an agreement with Intelsat to install its high-speed in-flight connectivity system on E-Jet E2s during aircraft production. The system, with transmission speeds up to 275Mbps, gives passengers in the sky a similar streaming and surfing experience to their home networks.

The Intelsat product is the first multi-orbit satellite system to incorporate an Electronically Steered Array (ESA) antenna, which means wider coverage, faster transmission, and greater reliability. The Intelsat ESA, which is offered as an option, will be available for line-fit by the end of this year.

Intelsat's LEO network has low latency (the delay between sending and receiving data) and covers the entire Earth, including the polar regions. The GEO network is ideal for more densely populated areas, like big cities. The ESA antenna itself is lightweight. Its low profile (less than 3 inches / 7.5 cm) generates less drag than other designs. Intelsat, of McLean, USA, operates a large integrated satellite and terrestrial network and provides in-flight connectivity products and services.

(article source: Embraer / editor: Anton van Rijsbergen)