Air China Is a FAN of Thales... Selects TopFlight SATCOM for B737 Communications

[SatNews]  This system will be certified on Boeing aircraft, and remains the lightest and the most reliable SBB satellite communication system in the commercial air transport market.

Air China has selected the Thales TopFlight SATCOM satellite communications solution for their 22 B737 aircraft, scheduled for delivery  between 2015 and 2016.

The Thales TopFlight SATCOM is the latest generation in satellite communication systems, offering voice and data services for both cockpit and cabin. It was the first ARINC 781 SATCOM system to be certified on Boeing aircraft, and  it remains the lightest and the most reliable SBB satellite communication system in the commercial air transport market.

Its B737 configuration will provide two voice and one data channels, enabling ACARS & FANS1 communications, and can be configured to deliver Swiftbroadband to the cockpit, thus future proofing cockpit connectivity for the industry’s increasing data requirements.



“This selection is a result of a reliable product and the Thales quality of support,” said Air China.

“Thales remains a key player for Satellite solutions in Asia. Our position as partner of choice for connectivity continues to strengthen as our offer develops into one of the most advanced in the world.” Stated Daniel Malka, Thales Vice President for Avionics Services Worldwide activities.

TopFlight SATCOM (TFS) is a light weight ARINC 781 L band SATCOM that take full advantage of Inmarsat’s I-3 and I-4 satellite constellations. TFS offers ATS voice (SATVOICE), non ATS voice and data over Inmarsat Classic Aero services and/or IP connectivity with data rates of up to 432kbps per channel for non-safety cockpit and cabin services via Inmarsat Swiftbroadband (SBB) service. Due to this flexibility and reliability, TFS is able to comply with SATCOM requirements within China, and has been certified as a Freedom of Choice BFE option on B777 passengers & Freighter and B737NG aircraft. ACARS: Aircraft Communications Addressing and Reporting System, is a digital datalink system for transmission of short messages between aircraft and ground stations via air-band radio or satellite.

1. FANS: future air navigation systems, is an avionics system which provides direct data link communications between pilots and traffic controllers

Source: Air China Is a FAN of Thales... Selects TopFlight SATCOM for B737 Communications