AIRIA, a joint venture between Live Inflight Video Entertainment and Inmarsat Ventures Ltd, a provider of global mobile satellite communications, will be the first to deliver live global inflight entertainment.

The new London, UK and Annapolis, Maryland-based company is scheduled to bring live news broadcasts and sporting events to corporate jet and long-haul airline passengers before September 2001.

AIRIA will initially enable airlines and appropriately-equipped corporate jets to receive live world news from the BBC and a live, international sports channel designed by Trans World International. The company will be adding more channels and content, along with broadband data services, in the future to meet demand. AIRIA's live inflight service will use Inmarsat's existing network of satellites and the Inmarsat Aero H/H+ satcom antennas, which are, as of April 2000, installed on over 76 per cent of modern long-haul, wide-bodied aircraft for safety and voice communications purposes.