A Nok Air Boeing 737-800. Photo: Jakkrit Prasertwit/Wikimedia

[Via Satellite 09-23-2014] Thailand-based Nok Air has conducted its first flight from Bangkok’s Don Mueang International Airport to Phuket, Thailand using Ku-band satellite connectivity to provide 3G-like speeds for passengers. The service, provided through partnerships with Thaicom and Global Eagle Entertainment, is now fully operational.

The three companies have an agreement to fit six aircraft with the In-Flight Connectivity (IFC) solution but Nok Air’s overall plan is to connect its entire fleet of 22 aircraft in three years time. For Thaicom, the partnership is the first step in its “New Frontiers” initiative to strengthen its focus on communications-on-the-move.