Honeywell and Boeing announced a new technical services agreement Wednesday to research and develop high-speed in-flight wireless connectivity. Under the agreement, the two companies will develop technologies for Boeing aircraft, including the 787, 777, 737 Next-Generation and 747-8.
The joint research team will test and develop hardware, software and potential services that will use GX Ka-band satellites, powered by Inmarsat’s GX Aviation constellation.
The agreement was formed to address demand from commercial airline passengers for faster and more reliable in-flight connectivity on personal wireless devices.
"Boeing is working with Honeywell to develop and ultimately apply Ka technology on Boeing platforms as an offering which can be selected and brought to market by our airline customers worldwide," said Dan Murray, chief engineer of electronic systems at Boeing.
The first Inmarsat GX Ka-band satellite, currently being built by Boeing, is scheduled to launch later this year. Honeywell and Inmarsat are currently on track toward making the global service available to airline customers in 2015.
Related: In-Flight Connectivity News