Thaicom, Thailand’s leading satellite operator, has become the first provider in the Asia Pacific region to introduce Ku-band inflight connectivity services on commercial flights. The deal has been agreed with Thailand-based low-cost airline Nok Air, which will begin providing broadband wi-fi services on many of its aircraft starting in August – ranging from Internet access to other complimentary services in the future.
The announcement comes as Thaicom launches its “New Frontiers” campaign which will see it expand its focus to include end-to-end satcom mobility services for air, land, and sea vehicles. The company is looking to the future with two new satellite launches planned before 2016, an extension of its target geography to include Africa and a host of yet-to-be-announced new industry partnerships and acquisitions.
Suphajee Suthumpun, CEO of Thaicom said, “We are very pleased to be working with Nok Air on this in-flight connectivity service, which is a young and very buoyant area for both the satellite and airline industries. It is a milestone and the first of many announcements for our exciting New Frontiers campaign aimed at serving the industry and our customers better. We are delighted to launch the IFC with Nok Air which should be beneficial for domestic as well as international passengers on board Nok Air’s flights.”
The Thaicom In-Flight Connectivity (IFC) broadband service, with its partner Global Eagle Entertainment/Row44, will in this case be implemented as a value added service for Nok Air passengers to enhance their experience by giving access to broadband combined with video content. The expansion plan shall further include the Asian region with in-flight connectivity services provided through Thaicom broadband.
