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Airservices partners with Inmarsat for satellite voice communications

written by Gerard Frawley | March 7, 2018

OneSky will replace the existing TAAATS system. (Airservices)
Airservices is looking at SatVoice communications for air traffic services. (Airservices)

Airservices is evaluating the use of satellite voice technology (SatVoice) for air traffic control communications between ground stations and pilots in partnership with Inmarsat, SITAONAIR and Virgin Australia.
The evaluation will take place over the next few months and focus on areas beyond the reach of traditional VHF voice coverage.
Four Virgin Australia Boeing 737s will demonstrate the Inmarsat SatVoice technology, while SITAONAIR will provide the connectivity infrastructure.
“Through the partnership with Inmarsat, Airservices Australia will help airlines and operators to complement conventional voice communications equipment with modern digital technology,” Inmarsat, SITAONAIR and Airservices said in a joint statement.
“The evaluation is working toward two important customer benefits: more effective and ultimately safer aviation safety services over the oceans and remote areas, and lower weight for avionics, contributing towards reduced fuel burn and greenhouse emissions.”
Four Virgin Australia Boeing 737-800s will be part of the evaluation. (Rob Finlayson)
Four Virgin Australia Boeing 737s will be part of the evaluation. (Rob Finlayson)

The statement said SatVoice technology aimed to speed up contact between air traffic control and the aircraft.
Further, enhanced voice communications would “support long-term efficiency and safety improvements that require these direct communications”.

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Comments (2)

  • Kim Knight

    says:

    I am wondering how much time delay would be involved in communicating via satellite. There is quite an obvious delay in live TV coverage that uses satellite but apart from that, the quality and reliability should be excellent.

  • Tony Lathouras

    says:

    I don’t see delays as an issue, in theory no more of a delay of a VOIP call from one side of the work to another.

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