SITA and OnAir have formed ‘SITA OnAir’ with the aim of helping airlines realize the full potential of connected aircraft. According to the companies, today’s aircraft generate so much data in flight that airlines have to look for ways to make the best operational use of the connected aircraft.
SITA OnAir is intended to bring together the companies’ expertise in ground and inflight connectivity, cockpit data services and air traffic management solutions, aircraft communications and infrastructure solutions, as well as application development for both passengers and crew. The core of the new business organization is SITA’s knowledge of airline communications and IT, and OnAir’s expertise in supplying in-flight connectivity.
“The connected aircraft will transform both the passenger and crew experience while improving airlines’ operational efficiency,” said Francesco Violante, CEO of SITA. “It’s a win-win for passengers and airlines, connecting people throughout their whole journey, increasing revenue by encouraging more people to fly, and reducing costs by improving turnaround times and on-time performance. The connected aircraft is nothing unless it is fully integrated into an airline’s IT infrastructure, which is a highly complicated undertaking.”
Ian Dawkins, CEO of OnAir added, “The connected aircraft is probably the most important development in aviation IT in a generation. We are the only supplier with the range of expertise to make it a viable reality.”
