7th Apr 2016 16:09
LONDON (Alliance News) - Satellite communications company Inmarsat PLC said Thursday it has signed an agreement with Beijing Marine Communication & Navigation Co Ltd to establish a joint venture for aircraft cabin and cockpit connectivity.
Satellite communication provider Beijing Marine Communication, also known as MCN, was founded by China's Ministry of Transportation.
Inmarsat said the final agreement for the joint venture will be signed later in 2016.
Once formed, Inmarst will provide the joint venture with its Global Xpress Aviation wireless service and SwiftBroadband safety equipment, which is used to transmit short messages between aircraft and ground stations via airband radio or satellite, it said.
"Passengers will be able to browse the internet, use social media, stream online videos, download files and more using their smartphones, tablets and other Wi-Fi enabled devices, with a similar quality of service in the air as they would receive on the ground," Inmarsat said.
"China is one of the world?s fastest-growing commercial aviation markets and when the proposed joint venture with MCN is finalised, the new company would provide the country with access to the most advanced cockpit and cabin connectivity solutions available today and in the future," said President of Inmarsat Aviation Leo Mondale.
"Inmarsat and MCN already have a successful track record of working together. Extending our long-standing partnership allow us to build on the significant interest that we have received in the market to date," Mondale added.
Shares in Inmarsat closed up 1.0% at 993.00 pence on Thursday.
By Hannah Boland; [email protected]; @Hannaheboland
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