FTS partners Qingdao Airlines to be the first airline in China to offer Ka-band Inflight Broadband Connectivity Service

Boston, USA – Sep 24, 2018 – With the CAAC (Civil Aviation Authority of China) relaxation of regulation early this year to allow passengers to use smartphones during flights, the China market has been buzzing with activities on a rush to provide Inflight Connectivity. FTS announced at the APEX Boston Expo 2018 in Boston, USAthat it is partnering Qingdao Airlines in China to equip its entire fleet of A320 aircraft with FTS XStream-SAT Broadband Connectivity system.

Qindao Airlines is a fast expanding private airline in China, currently operating a fleet of 14 A320 and serving a route network of over 20 domestic destinations. With its commitment to “Passenger First”, the airline has been outperforming the market and plans to expand to over 100 aircraft by 2025. “Even before the lifting of the ban on passengers using their smartphone, we had been actively looking for a solution that meets our needs. The timing is right now that the smartphone ban was lifted, ChinaSat launched its Ka-band satellites CS-16 and FTS is here with its XStream-SAT system to complete the puzzle“, said the spokesperson for Qingdao Airlines.

“We are extremely honored and delighted to be working with Qingdao Airlines on this groundbreaking agreement to equip their fleet with our Xstream-SAT Satellite Broadband Connectivity solutions. In the end what won them over is that we are not just offering hardware, but a total solution including business management platform that help minimize cost, improve operational efficiency and maximize ancillary revenue. FTS can offer local support, integration services and market know-how that differentiates us from other providers“, added Mr Duan Shiping, President of FTS group.

FTS will be at hand to share more on its Xstream-SAT solution and also unveil new innovations at the APEX Expo 2018 in Boston USA, booth 1015, from 24 to 27 Sep 2018.