SÃO JOSÉ DOS CAMPOS, Brazil - Embraer in São José dos Campos, Brazil and Intelsat in McLean, Va., have reached an agreement to offer factory-installed high-speed in-flight connectivity on new E-Jet E2 aircraft.
Under the agreement, Intelsat’s multi-orbit satellite connectivity system will be available as a line-fit option on Embraer’s E2 jets beginning later this year. The system uses an Electronically Steered Array (ESA) antenna. It can deliver transmission speeds of up to 275 megabits per second, allowing passengers to stream and browse the internet much like they do at home.
"Intelsat is the first multi-orbit satellite inflight connectivity system with an electronically steered array (ESA) antenna to be installed at the Embraer factory, allowing passengers access to reliable, streaming connectivity starting immediately when aircraft enters revenue service," said Rob Baird, director of OEM programs at Intelsat.
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The ESA antenna operates across Intelsat’s low-Earth orbit (LEO) and geostationary orbit (GEO) satellite networks, providing wide coverage and low latency. Its low-profile design — less than three inches tall — helps reduce aerodynamic drag and fuel consumption, aligning with Embraer’s sustainability goals for the E2 aircraft.
"Factory-installation of the Intelsat ESA is a good example of how we’re making it easier for our customers to offer an improved passenger experience as soon as the aircraft is delivered," said Martyn Holmes, chief commercial officer for Embraer Commercial Aviation.
McLean, Va.-based Intelsat operates one of the world’s largest satellite and terrestrial networks and provides connectivity services to commercial, government, and non-governmental customers worldwide.
