Ethiopian Airlines to Offer High-Speed Inflight Broadband Services

Ethiopian Airlines will offer advanced, high-speed inflight broadband to passengers onboard its upcoming Airbus A350-1000 aircraft, with GX Aviation provided by Inmarsat and selected through the Airbus Airspace Link HBCplus programme. This was revealed at the 2023 Aircraft Interiors Expo (AIX) in Hamburg, Germany.

As one of the launch airlines for inflight connectivity (IFC) through Airbus’ HBCplus programme, Ethiopian Airlines will benefit from a more streamlined, efficient order process that will ensure its latest aircraft meet the rapidly growing passenger demand to stay connected while flying. 

The first of Ethiopian Airlines’ Airbus A350-1000 aircraft is set to be delivered in the Third Quarter of 2024, with passengers able to benefit from GX Aviation’s world connectivityclass technology. This supports the airline’s Vision 2035 Strategy which focuses on expanding its fleets, enhancing its passenger experience and maintaining its leading position in the airline industry.

Regarding the new service, Ethiopian Airlines Group CEO Mr. Mesfin Tasew said, “As we endeavour to maintain our position as Africa’s number one and among the leading airlines globally, we know one of the key success factors is giving our passengers the best possible onboard experience.

Connectivity is a crucial part of our services and products; and bringing Inmarsat’s bestinclass GX Aviation service to our passengers, as part of Airbus’ HBCplus programme, is a major step forward.

We want to give our passengers the possibility to stream, surf, and chat from th ousands of feet in the air, no matter where their route or destination is. Inmarsat’s seamless, truly global inflight connectivity will be vital to deliver this. We look forward to a very successful partnership with Inmarsat and Airbus, now and in the year s to come"

Inmarsat’s latest Passenger Experience Survey found out that 97% of respondents use their personal devices on flights for entertainment, such as streaming movies and TV shows, keeping up with work, and to stay in touch with family and friends. In addition, 82% of passengers are more likely to rebook with an airline that offers quality inflight Wi Fi.