[SatNews] "The demand for in-flight connectivity has never been greater, particularly with airlines looking to serve passengers and drive ancillary revenue."
Global Eagle Entertainment Inc. ("GEE") (Nasdaq:ENT), and satellite operator SES (NYSE Euronext Paris and Luxembourg Stock Exchange: SESG) announced a ground-breaking agreement, whereby SES will provide global, Ku-band satellite bandwidth to GEE for use in GEE's in-flight connectivity system. As part of the long-term agreement, GEE and SES will work together to enable in-flight connectivity solutions to be provided to airlines around the world.
GEE will offer airlines global connectivity coverage using SES's worldwide satellite network, greatly expanding GEE's capabilities and services. The agreement includes access to the existing SES network, as well as to upcoming high throughput satellite (HTS) spot beam-based
systems, providing significant increases in bandwidth speeds. This partnership enhances GEE's position as a leader in the in-flight entertainment and connectivity (IFE&C) market. GEE provides its airline customers with innovative content, connectivity, and digital media
solutions that drive passenger engagement and enable new ancillary revenue opportunities.
Under this agreement, SES satellites will provide GEE with Ku-band capacity to support GEE's worldwide mobile connectivity solution on a
combination of SES satellites, along with select teleport services. With a fleet of over 50 satellites today, and with five more under construction, SES is able to support GEE's airline customers, and their passengers, with robust connectivity on most air routes around
the world.
"Entering into this agreement with SES provides a major step forward in the growth of GEE. By partnering with SES, GEE will be offering global connectivity coverage to our airline customers, including the next generation of high throughput satellite systems," said Dave Davis,
Chief Executive Officer of GEE.
"SES is pleased to support GEE with its expertise and assets for in-flight connectivity today and in the future," stated Ferdinand Kayser, Chief Commercial Officer, SES. "The aeronautical mobility sector is a key target market for SES and is poised for strong growth in the coming years. This important agreement delivers a tailored solution for GEE's global aero connectivity needs, and provides an extended base for GEE's widely enjoyed service to travelers. "
"We see this as the beginning of a strong strategic partnership between SES and GEE that enables us to broaden our in-flight connectivity capabilities to airline customers," explained Aditya Chatterjee, Chief Technology Officer at GEE. "The demand for in-flight connectivity has
never been greater, particularly with airlines looking to serve passengers and drive ancillary revenue. As we continue to expand internationally, SES's broad coverage area, technology capabilities, and sales and service commitments provide us with a solution that meets our airline customers' short and long-haul needs and the passengers' desire to always be connected."
This agreement represents another key element in GEE's content, connectivity and digital media strategy that it is rolling out to airlines across the globe. Through this important partnership with SES, both companies will jointly deliver superior connectivity technology, sales and service to the aviation industry.
