While the system is suitable for a range of traditional cabin applications such as, Internet access, SMS (short message service) text messaging and integration into IFE (in-flight entertainment) systems, it also is suitable for operational and aircraft management communications.  In addition, SwiftBroadband is being used for the in-flight use of cellular phone calls and PDA (personal digital assistant) applications that are being developed by Inmarsat's partner's AeroMobile and OnAir.

Manufacturers of SwiftBroadband avionics and antennas include Chelton, CMC, EMS, Honeywell, Rockwell Collins, TECOM, Thales, and Thrane & Thrane.

Lars Ringertz, who heads Inmarsat's marketing for aeronautical services at Inmarsat, said: "SwiftBroadband will offer connectivity in a way that has not been possible before," and "Our recent announcement of plans to launch the third Inmarsat-4 satellite in 2008, which will complete the global Inmarsat-4 network, shows Inmarsat's commitment to bringing the benefits of SwiftBroadband to aircraft operating around the world."

SwiftBroadband is the latest mobile broadband offering from Inmarsat and follows the earlier introduction of its land-based BGAN (broadband global area network) service.  09-28-2007.