Inmarsat, the world’s leading provider of global mobile satellite communications, has received a major international accolade for its next-generation SB-S flight deck connectivity solution at the 2018 Jane’s ATC Awards.

An independent judging panel, including representatives from the International Air Transport Association (IATA), International Civil Aviation Organization (ICAO), Eurocontrol and Federal Aviation Administration (FAA), voted SB-S as winner in the Technology category, which recognises significant industry contributions by equipment and systems suppliers.

SB-S offers the world’s first and only global, high-speed, secure connectivity solution for the flight deck, enabling flexible communications in real-time to improve operational efficiency and enhance safety. It combines cutting-edge satellite technology with secure IP broadband connectivity to deliver incomparable protected data capacity to the cockpit.

Building on existing capabilities of earlier cockpit satcom technologies, SB-S introduces new ‘always on, always secure’ applications, such as continual positional awareness for flight tracking and reduced separation standards, flight data streaming (Black Box in the Cloud) and real-time electronic flight bag applications. Its benefits include mapping more fuel-efficient routes and transmitting vital aircraft performance and positioning data in real time.

The 2018 Jane’s ATC Award is the latest endorsement for SB-S, which has been selected for installation on Hawaiian Airlines’ new Airbus A321neo aircraft fleet, following successful testing on its Boeing 767-300 aircraft. The platform is also under evaluation on United Airlines’ Boeing 767 aircraft and Shenzhen Airlines’ A320 fleet.

SB-S will also provide the platform for Iris, a ground-breaking project that uses satellite based communication to enhance and modernise air traffic management over Europe.