Airbus A321 Cabin. Photo: Airbus

Air France has awarded a long-term contract for In-Flight Connectivity (IFC) systems and services to a collaboration between Global Eagle Entertainment and Orange Business Services.

The contract initially includes 113 Airbus A320 family aircraft operated by Air France. Installations are already underway. Air France’s Airbus A320 family includes A318, A319, A320, and A321 aircraft that operate short and medium-haul flights throughout Europe, Russia, North Africa, and the Middle East. The collaboration between Global Eagle and Orange Business Services aims to deliver high-speed internet, passenger portal interfaces and services, integrated billing, and passenger data analytics supporting Air France’s digital transformation initiatives and its customer experience vision.

Network services will be based on Global Eagle’s latest generation of aircraft hardware, with Jupiter HT modem infrastructure capable of 500 megabits per second throughput per aircraft and Global Eagle’s new three-axis Ku-band antenna. Orange Business Services aims to provide connectivity through its ground and satellite network, drawing upon its experience in project management, cybersecurity, and local support.