Inmarsat (News - Alert), the leading provider of global mobile satellite communications services recently signed an agreement with Rockwell Collins.

Rockwell Collins is a leading global provider of communication and aviation electronic solutions for commercial and government customers. The company has a strong track record of designing, manufacturing and integrating connectivity solutions on business, commercial and government aircraft.

Under the agreement, Rockwell Collins will be responsible for the development, production and distribution of User Terminals (UTs) for future Inmarsat's Global Xpress (GX) aeronautical services to the aviation industry.

“This world class partnership is a game-changer for airborne connectivity. We are enthusiastic about the combination of our company's solid performance and trusted relationships in commercial and government aviation with the differentiated services of Inmarsat's Global Xpress to achieve a compelling global broadband solution for passengers and operators to truly experience the same level of connectivity in the air, as they do on the ground,” vice president and general manager of Flight Information Solutions for Rockwell Collins Steve Timm noted in a statement.

In a press release, Inmarsat GX announced that the first Inmarsat-5 satellite is scheduled for a mid-2013 launch. Followed by the launch, the company will begin offering in-flight testing of the Global Xpress aeronautical services with the support of Rockwell Collins.

Services will be offered to commercial air transport, business aviation and government customers worldwide in 2014.

Inmarsat currently has over 11,000 aircraft relying on global in-flight connectivity. The GX aeronautical offering will be economical, in terms of both hardware and services to the end users, providing the only global Ka broadband connectivity with transmission speeds at least double that of Ku offerings, the sources claimed.

“We welcome Rockwell Collins to the expanding family of Global Xpress partners. Their strong position in technology and services for US and International Government aeronautical, Commercial Air Transport and Business Aviation markets is well respected. Rockwell-Collins will lead a world-class team to bring the unique performance and coverage of Inmarsat's Global Xpress satellite services to the aeronautical marketplace. This combination will be integrated into end-to-end equipment and service packages by existing and new distribution partners, including Rockwell Collins, to create a new industry standard for airborne connectivity that will benefit both airlines and their passengers,” Managing Director of Inmarsat GX Leo Mondale commented in a statement.

In April, Inmarsat announced two high profile appointments for its North American operations. The appointments were aimed at boosting its business in North America, the company said in an earlier release.

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