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Honeywell and Inmarsat have partnered with Kymeta to design a Ka-band wireless antenna for business and commercial aircraft, to provide in-flight internet connectivity to passengers.

Incorporating unique and advanced capabilities, the internet connectivity system is said to offer faster connectivity and a higher-quality broadband service.

Under the partnership, Kymeta’s mTenna antenna products will be integrated with Honeywell’s JetWave aviation product line.

JetWave is a satellite communications hardware range, designed to support Inmarsat’s GX Aviation service, which will be available from later this year.

"Honeywell’s work with Inmarsat on GX Aviation is at the forefront of bringing high-speed, global connectivity services to airlines and operators."

Honeywell Aerospace marketing and product management vice-president Jack Jacobs said: "Honeywell’s work with Inmarsat on GX Aviation is at the forefront of bringing high-speed, global connectivity services to airlines and operators.

"Having Kymeta and Inmarsat aligned with us ensures we stay forward-looking with new antenna technology that will be more efficient and compact, providing customers with even faster global in-flight connectivity."

The flat-panel design of the system will reduce weight and drag on the aircraft thereby saving fuel and maintenance costs.

Kymeta president and CEO Nathan Kundtz said: "Now, with mTenna technology from Kymeta, Honeywell’s terminal solutions and Inmarsat’s global service portfolio, we will be able to expand upon Honeywell and Inmarsat’s commitment to high-speed global aviation connectivity."

Inmarsat Aviation president Leo Mondale said: "This will be the first truly flat-panel antenna for aviation that will offer great performance at the right price."

Image: The Ka-band wireless antenna by Honeywell and partners will provide in-flight internet connectivity to passengers. Photo: courtesy of Cweyer at en.wikipedia.