FAA Nextgen: A step closer with data link network from SITA and Harris

ATLANTA, USA: SITA today announced a seven-year contract with Harris Corporation, the systems integrator for one of the cornerstone US Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) NextGen programs. SITA is providing Harris with the equipment to deploy an FAA-approved aircraft ground station network that will enable air to grounddigital data communications. SITA already provides aircraft communications to around half of the airlines in the US.

The contract is part of the $150 million Data Communications Network Services (DCNS) element of Harris' Data Communications Integrated Services (DCIS) Program. Aircraft digital data communication is one of the primary components of the FAA's NextGen system. Moving air traffic control from voice to data communications will increase efficiency and safety. In Europe, it is estimated that, when all aircraft are fully equipped, the addition of data link usage for ATC will increase capacity by 11 percent.

John O'Sullivan, VP, civil programs, Harris Government Communications Systems, said: "Teaming with SITA allows us to provide a VHF data link network providing service to the FAA; enabling the movement away from voice communications for air traffic control to digital data connectivity."