The operator won a three-year contract to provide 23,000 eSIM-enabled mobile connections to support easyJet’s crew, aircraft and ground operations in 35 countries
BT Group announced that it is working with UK-based easyJet to deliver thousands of mobile connections designed to keep flight crew, aircraft and airports connected across Europe. Under the agreement, BT will provide around 23,000 mobile connections on EE’s network, supporting easyJet’s operations across more than 150 airports in 35 countries, from Gatwick to Gran Canaria.
The airline will use EE’s network to connect a wide range of devices, enabling pilots and cabin crew to access flight information and real-time training while on the move. The connectivity will also support smart messaging to keep passengers updated on their flights, connect iPads used by pilots and crew for real-time operational data, and link smartphones, aircraft phones, laptops and other devices used by airline staff.
All devices will be equipped with eSIMs, allowing connectivity to be set up and managed remotely, while improving security, reducing logistics complexity and cutting hardware waste.
“This partnership with easyJet is about delivering the smart, seamless connectivity which is crucial when operating at scale,” said BT Business chief commercial officer Chris Sims. “By equipping thousands of devices with eSIMs on EE’s award-winning network, we’re enabling easyJet to manage connections remotely, switch networks across borders, and reduce the complexity of traditional SIMs.”
He added: “It’s a future-ready solution that enhances security, boosts efficiency, and keeps teams connected when they need it most.”
While BT has not disclosed which supplier it may be replacing, easyJet has had a long-standing relationship with aviation communications specialist SITA, dating back to 2012. At that time, SITA signed a five-year deal to provide fully managed mobile services to support easyJet’s Halo project, enabling airport agents to use in-house applications on mobile devices across more than 130 European airports, supported by global 3G and wireless connectivity and ruggedised handheld terminals for boarding, baggage and passenger services.
SITA continues to work with easyJet today. In October last year, the two companies announced the launch of the SITA Agent App, a mobile ground-crew application designed to free staff from fixed desks and allow them to assist passengers anywhere in the terminal. Following trials at Gatwick and other UK airports, easyJet said it plans to roll the app out across its wider European network.
