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Hawaiian Airlines to install Inmarsat’s next-gen SB-S for its new Airbus fleet

New communications platform offers global, high-speed, secure connectivity for the flight deck

Hawaiian Airlines (HAL), Hawaii’s largest airline, will install Inmarsat’s next-gen SwiftBroadband Safety (SB-S) platform on a fleet of brand new Airbus A321neo aircraft.

The platform will work through Cobham’s AVIATOR 350D system, providing secure, high-speed broadband connectivity to the flight deck for all voice and data applications.

The transoceanic carrier offers non-stop services flying to Hawaii from North America, Asia and the South Pacific – including more routes to US gateway cities (11) than any other airline.

Carrying over 10 million passengers a year, HAL aircraft spend most of their flying time over water. It makes the installation of SB-S especially practical with ‘always on’, ‘always secure’ aviation safety services available, all of the time.

The result is enhanced airline safety and operations for the flight deck, from 24/7 communication with the ground to real-time, in-flight information.

It gives the cockpit access to flight data streaming applications – which function like a Black Box In The Cloud™ – plus real-time Electronic Flight Bag (EFB) apps, such as networked graphical weather.

This installation is a testament to HAL’s successful evaluation of SB-S onboard their B767s, dating back to June 2015. It builds on the current partnership between HAL, Inmarsat, Cobham and Collins Aerospace (who provide the managed service between Inmarsat ground stations).

"Airlines with eyes on the big picture are seeking innovative ways to achieve efficiency gains and dynamically manage their fleets through the use of digital solutions."

Captain Mary McMillan, Inmarsat Aviation Vice President of Safety and Operational Services, said: “Airlines with eyes on the big picture are seeking innovative ways to achieve efficiency gains and dynamically manage their fleets through the use of digital solutions.

“We are pleased that Hawaiian Airlines has experienced the benefits of SB-S and has now chosen to expand its commitment to high-speed broadband in the flight deck with its A321neos. Clearly, the evaluation has been a great success.”

And, in the below video, Hawaiian Airlines pilots and flight operations staff discuss the benefits of bringing broadband to the flight deck.

Hawaiian Airlines has been the most punctual US carrier over the last 12 years (2004-2015). Little wonder it’s among the first to arrive early on the scene with Inmarsat’s game-changing new safety service, SB-S.

To find out more about our SB-S services - download our publication