UAE firm serves voice comm aboard aircraft

ABU DHABI, UAE: UAE's Thuraya Telecommunications Company has launched its first satellite aeronautical service, offering cost-effective voice communications on board all types of aircraft, it was announced Wednesday.

The initial service offering is based on Thuraya's compact narrowband terminal which provides voice, fax and 9.6 Kbps circuit switch data, as well as GmPRS data at speeds of up to 60 Kbps.

The service is already installed and operational on board over 200 helicopters and business jets.

Branded as AviationComms, the company has a plan to introduce a complete portfolio of aeronautical services.

Set to be the smallest system in the market, the new solutions will enable both voice and data communications for pilots, crew and passengers alike.

A broadband terminal is currently in development and, upon completion during the last quarter this year, will provide higher data speeds of up to 444 Kbps in standard mode and up to 384 Kbps in streaming mode.

Based on hardware developed by French-based aeronautical services specialist SATSYS, Thuraya AviationsComms boasts a compact design fitting in all types of aircraft across military, commercial and civil aviation segments.

"Thuraya is proud to launch this service in a thriving sector such as the aeronautical communications. Like most of our products, we have ensured that the new solutions are compact, user-friendly, lightweight and affordable.

"This move reflects Thuraya's dynamic growth and expansion into new vertical markets," said Thuraya chief strategy officer, Sultan Ahmed Al Ghafli.