Aviation
MANILA – Cebu Pacific Air has selected SITA to support its digital transformation agenda leveraging SITA’s renowned AIRCOM® Cockpit Services integrated with Inmarsat’s SwiftBroadband-Safety (SB-S) satellite network service. The combined solutions will enhance cockpit communications while delivering greater operational efficiencies on the airline’s new Airbus A330neos.
SITA’s 2021 Air Transport IT Insights reveal that digitalization is a top priority for the air transport industry’s recovery from COVID-19. The leading low-cost carrier in the Philippines, Cebu Pacific is one of many airlines embarking on a digital transformation agenda, including modernizing its fleet with features that allow for real-time updates to support better decision-making around weather and flight planning.
Through its AIRCOM® Cockpit Services portfolio, SITA has integrated Inmarsat’s cutting-edge SB-S satellite network service, making Cebu Pacific the first airline to leverage the benefits of both services on its new fleet. It is also the first time SB-S has been delivered factory-fitted on an Airbus aircraft bringing more sophisticated, secure, and reliable voice and data communications to the flight deck. IP connectivity, quicker data transmission with faster broadband speeds and coverage, will deliver several operational benefits for the airline.
Bringing modern satellite technology into the cockpit will enable airlines like Cebu Pacific to maximize the benefit of innovative inflight optimization and safety applications. For example, pilots will be able to gain real-time updates for flight optimization tools like SITA’s OptiFlight and graphical weather applications like SITA’s eWAS Pilot. The real-time data provided by applications like these will provide enhanced decision-making, helping pilots to adapt, avoid weather hazards and delays, enhance comfort and safety onboard, and deliver fuel and operational cost savings.
Javier Massot, Chief Operations Adviser, Cebu Pacific Air, said: “We turned to SITA given their expertise in the aircraft domain to help us navigate the challenges and complexities of the aircraft communications landscape, and prepare us for that future. Having high-speed connectivity and greater capacity is essential to access more advanced digital applications that support decision-making onboard. It will enable our pilots and operational staff to access information in real-time and deliver a better service for our passengers.”
Sumesh Patel, President of Asia Pacific, SITA, said: “We are delighted to offer the latest advances in technology to support the industry’s transition to a more digitalized cockpit. As the specialists in this field, SITA is dedicated to delivering the crucial, industry-certified services airlines rely upon to run their daily operations. Cebu Pacific is the first airline to take advantage of these capabilities to boost safety and deliver greater operational efficiencies on their new fleet.”
John Broughton, SVP Aircraft Operations and Safety, Inmarsat Aviation, said: “The arrival of Cebu’s A330neo aircraft marks a number of firsts for Inmarsat and the industry. It’s the first aircraft in the world to fly with fully end-to-end encrypted cockpit voice and data comms, providing military grade protection to safety critical communications and operational data. Additionally, it’s the first Airbus aircraft line fitted with Inmarsat Light Cockpit Satcom terminal, heralding a new era of connected aircraft rolling out of the factory fitted for future ATM requirements.”
The combined AIRCOM® Cockpit Services and SB-S solutions will be made available to more aircraft types, beyond Airbus single-aisle A320neos and wide-aisle A330neos, to enable more airlines to leverage the benefits.
Taking airlines beyond traditional safety satellite communication, Inmarsat SB-S unlocks new cost efficiencies through real-time, data-rich applications for enhanced aircraft operations, while meeting the highest security standards and endorsed by the FAA's Performance Based Operations Aviation Rulemaking Committee (PARC).
SITA is the air transport industry's IT provider, delivering solutions for airlines, airports, aircraft and governments. Our technology powers more seamless, safe and sustainable air travel.
With around 2,500 customers, SITA’s solutions drive operational efficiencies at more than 1,000 airports while delivering the promise of the connected aircraft to customers of 18,000 aircraft globally. SITA also provides technology solutions that help more than 70 governments strike the balance of secure borders and seamless travel. Our communications network connects every corner of the globe and bridges 60% of the air transport community’s data exchange.
In 2021, SITA became a certified CarbonNeutral® company in accordance with The CarbonNeutral Protocol – the leading global standard for carbon neutral programs. We are reducing our greenhouse gas emissions for all our operations through our UN-recognized Planet+ program, while also developing solutions to help the aviation industry meet its carbon reduction objectives, including reduced fuel burn and greater operational efficiencies. In 2022, we announced our commitment to setting science-based emission reduction targets aligned to the Science Based Targets initiative Net-Zero Standard.
SITA is 100% owned by the industry and driven by its needs. It is one of the most internationally diverse companies, providing services in over 200 countries and territories.
For further information, go to www.sita.aero
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Inmarsat is the world leader in global, mobile satellite communications. It owns and operates the world’s most diverse global portfolio of mobile telecommunications satellite networks, and holds a multi-layered, global spectrum portfolio, covering L-band, Ka-band and S-band, enabling unparalleled breadth and diversity in the solutions it provides. Inmarsat’s long-established global distribution network includes not only the world’s leading channel partners but also its own strong direct retail capabilities, enabling end to end customer service assurance.
The company has an unrivalled track record of operating the world’s most reliable global mobile satellite telecommunications networks, sustaining business and mission critical safety & operational applications for more than 40 years. It is also a major driving force behind technological innovation in mobile satellite communications, sustaining its leadership through a substantial investment and a powerful network of technology and manufacturing partners.
Inmarsat operates across a diversified portfolio of sectors with the financial resources to fund its business strategy and holds leading positions in the Maritime, Government, Aviation and Enterprise satcoms markets, operating consistently as a trusted, responsive and high-quality partner to its customers across the globe.
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