Inmarsat, the world leader in global mobile satellite communications, announced today that its award-winning GX Aviation inflight broadband solution is now available to passengers onboard Indonesian low-cost airline Citilink’s first aircraft.
The milestone was achieved only six months after Inmarsat signed a contract with Mahata Aero Teknologi (MAT), an Indonesia wireless technology provider, to deploy GX Aviation across Citilink’s fleet of Airbus A320 aircraft, in partnership with Lufthansa Systems, Lufthansa Technik and GMF AeroAsia.
Inmarsat and Mahata executives, with Citilink cabin crew, celebrate the go-live of GX Aviation inflight broadband on the Indonesian low-cost carrier’s first aircraft.
GX Aviation is the world’s only global, high-speed inflight internet service, allowing Citilink passengers to browse the internet, stream content, check social media and more during flights free-of-charge using personal devices. Citilink will continue to rollout the service on their aircraft during 2019.
The fast-paced introduction of onboard connectivity is part of the airline’s efforts to offer passengers a modern, world-class onboard experience. Citilink, a subsidiary of Indonesian national airline Garuda, was named Asia’s Best LCC at the TripAdvisor Travellers Choice Awards 2018 and has a four-star rating by Skytrax.
Philip Balaam, President of Inmarsat Aviation, said: “It’s remarkable that GX Aviation is available on the first Citilink aircraft only six months after our contract was signed. This is easily one of the fastest connectivity implementations in aviation history and highlights Citilink’s focus on providing a world-class offering to passengers, as well as their unwavering confidence in our solution. It could not have been achieved without the outstanding support of our partners MAT, Lufthansa Systems, Lufthansa Technik and GMF AeroAsia.”
Juliandra Nurtjahjo, President and CEO of Citilink, said: “We are delighted that GX Aviation is now live and being enjoyed by passengers on our first aircraft. This makes Citilink the first low-cost carrier in the Asia Pacific region to offer this next generation inflight wi-fi solution. We look forward to continuing the rollout at full pace in 2019, working alongside MAT, Inmarsat, Lufthansa Systems, Lufthansa Technik and GMF AeroAsia.”
Iwan Setiawan, Managing Director of PT Mahata Aero Teknologi (MAT), said: “The launch of GX Aviation onboard Citilink’s first aircraft is a major achievement in our efforts to pioneer a digital technology revolution in Indonesia. We are extremely proud that our ambitious vision is now becoming a reality, in the interest of our nation, and we are thankful for the vital support and expertise that our partners Inmarsat, Lufthansa Technik, Lufthansa Systems and GMF AeroAsia – all global leaders in this field – have consistently provided.”
