Singapore Airlines Will Offer High-Speed Broadband Wi-Fi on World’s Longest Flight

The return of the world’s longest flights between Singapore and New York will include high-speed broadband connections to help pass the time.

Singapore Airlines has announced that it has selected SITAONAIR’s next-generation passenger high-speed broadband connectivity for its long-range aircraft, starting with installations on its B777-300ER aircraft in late 2016, followed by its A380-800 and A350-900 aircraft. Singapore Airlines has previously announced that it will recommence the world's longest flights on a new Ultra-Long Range version of the A350-900 aircraft in 2018.

“Singapore Airlines is one of the most respected carriers in the world,” said Ian Dawkins, CEO of SITAONAIR. “By choosing SITAONAIR services, it clearly demonstrates the superiority of GX Aviation in terms of passenger experience, reliable and global coverage.”

The connectivity service, which includes Wi-Fi and mobile phone text and data services, uses Inmarsat’s GX Satellite network which offers speeds of up to 50Mbps to aircraft, touted to offer connections similar to the experience of surfing the web at home and capable of supporting video streaming.

The third GX Aviation satellite was launched at the end of August of this year, providing consistent global coverage for the service. In addition to on-board Wi-Fi services, SITA OnAir  provides connected solutions for other airline operations, including flight tracking, crew tablets, electronic flights bags and air traffic control AIRCOM services.

"The introduction of GX Aviation opens up a whole new world of opportunities for the connected aircraft,” says Dawkins.

Singapore Airlines was an early adopter of onboard Wi-Fi on its A340 aircraft, and the first airline to provide connectivity on the A380 aircraft. The airline has recently been offering free Wi-Fi sessions to passengers in First and Business Class through promotional sponsorships.