In-flight wifi within EU

Imarsat, the British satellite operator, has revealed its intentions to provide in-flight broadband wifi services to air passengers so that they can stay in touch during flights in the European Union.

Imarsat is the same company whose raw data has been used in the efforts to search for the missing MH370 Malaysian jetline.

In order to complete its plans regarding in-flight connectivity, Imarsat joined forces with Hellas-Sat, its European counterpart, to order a powerful satellite from the French-Italian firm Thales Alenia Space.

The satellite will be operated on a shared basis between Imarsat and Hellas-Sat, but the former will bear the costs of deployment that rise up to $200 million.

Other costs involved in the operation will also include a $200 to $250 million air-to-ground network across the EU.

'We believe that the same in-flight connectivity opportunity exists in Europe and that, with the support of EU telecoms regulators, Inmarsat can rapidly bring to market unique, high speed aviation passenger connectivity services to meet this market demand on an EU-wide basis,' said Imarsat chief executive, Rupert Pearce.

The announcement came after high-demands for flight wifi have been also registered across America.

Pearce added that British Airways will be their first client on the launch of the program: 'A number of European airlines are aligned with this vision and we are absolutely delighted to announce advanced discussions with British Airways to be a launch customer on our new aviation network.'