Inmarsat has partnered with Airservices Australia to initiate satellite voice (SatVoice) communications evaluations for air traffic services in Australia in areas beyond the reach of traditional VHF voice coverage.

Through the partnership with Inmarsat, Airservices Australia will help airlines and operators to complement conventional voice communications equipment with modern digital technology. The evaluation is working toward two important customer benefits: more effective and ultimately safer aviation safety services over the oceans and remote areas, and lower weight for avionics, contributing towards reduced fuel burn and greenhouse emissions.

SatVoice communications is a two-way channel, satellite-based service that enhances accuracy in cockpit communications and therefore aircraft safety. The system enables faster and better-quality voice communications between flight deck crew and designated contacts on the ground, including air traffic controllers and airline operations personnel.

Currently, cockpit communications involve the aircraft calling a ground station, which then connects the flight deck crew to an air traffic control facility, in what is known as “two-stage dialing.” SatVoice communications will streamline this process, speeding up contact between air traffic control and the aircraft.

The evaluation will take place over the next few months, with the ultimate objective being direct controller-to-pilot communications (DCPC). Enhanced voice communications will support long-term efficiency and safety improvements that require these direct communications.

As part of its SB-S platform, which delivers high-speed IP connectivity to the flight deck, Inmarsat will offer upgraded SatVoice services that will be unparalleled in speed and quality.

SITAONAIR, who currently provides datalink services to Airservices Australia, has a key role as the Communications Service Provider, providing the connectivity infrastructure for these evaluations. Virgin Australia is also participating as the airline partner for the evaluation, demonstrating Inmarsat SatVoice on four of its B737 aircraft.