krug3r
18-09-2003, 16:03
Thanks to SITA Information Networking Computing (SITA INC), the first two-way operational short messaging service (SMS) in the sky is just the push of a button away.
Now commercially available and enabled on both MAS and MORS/Rockwell-Collins IFE systems, SITA's AIRCOM SMS service is generating interest from airlines worldwide wanting to offer their passengers the option to send and receive SMS text messages while in flight. SITA is currently working with several airlines to introduce the two-way SMS/email by the end of 2003 and hopes to soon announce the launch customer.
The popularity of SMS messaging continues to grow, yet until now it has been impossible to receive a text response in flight. SITA's AIRCOM SMS service is the first to offer passengers the facility to hold two-way SMS conversations with people using mobile phones or email accounts, via their in-seat telephone handset or IFE interface.
This latest launch endorses a successful year for SITA's SMS services, following the successful trials of the AIRCOM SMS one-way service on board Singapore Airlines (SIA) aircraft in 2002.
Airlines using existing SATCOM avionics to operate in-flight entertainment services can introduce SITA's AIRCOM SMS service with ease, as a simple software upgrade is all that is required with no need for additions to existing airborne configuration.
"The current trend for airlines is of course to closely monitor the cost/benefit ratio of any new service provided to passengers, yet they all want to differentiate their cabin service with the latest trendy technologies" commented George Cooper, head of Airline Operations and AIRCOM Services, SITA INC. "With SITA's AIRCOM Short Messaging Service, airlines can quickly differentiate their customer offering while benefiting from the low investment needed."
The SMS can be up to 160 characters in length - incorporating words, numbers and certain country-extended character sets. Passengers will be able to choose between paying for the service using their own credit card, or using SITA's AIRCOM Prepaid Calling Card.
Available worldwide, the service is supported through SITA's Satellite AIRCOM which links via Inmarsat satellites into SITA's global network solutions and its global Message Connect Mobile SMS service. This ensures that airlines, airports and other travel companies can also use SMS to quickly inform their staff and passengers on their mobile phones or pagers of important information concerning their travel plans, such as reservations, flight related information or promotional messages.
SITA provides the global reach to deliver SMS messages covering 500 wireless carriers in over 148 countries and can rapidly deploy the service for customers through a single IP connection. This low-cost mechanism can already connect with a wide range of legacy and new applications, so that customers do not have to undertake further investments in software or hardware to make them SMS enabled worldwide.
In addition, SITA's Satellite AIRCOM provides worldwide coverage through Inmarsat's geostationary satellites to over 1,350 commercial aircraft of more than 60 airlines and over more than 1,500 corporate aircraft. Supporting X.25-compatible data communications between aircraft and ground systems to enhance passenger service, Satellite AIRCOM offers airlines SMS, telephone, facsimile and e-mail services for passengers and crew. Aircraft communications for advanced in-flight passenger and crew applications are a key focus and SITA is a leader in developing onboard global access to new services in this area.
Now commercially available and enabled on both MAS and MORS/Rockwell-Collins IFE systems, SITA's AIRCOM SMS service is generating interest from airlines worldwide wanting to offer their passengers the option to send and receive SMS text messages while in flight. SITA is currently working with several airlines to introduce the two-way SMS/email by the end of 2003 and hopes to soon announce the launch customer.
The popularity of SMS messaging continues to grow, yet until now it has been impossible to receive a text response in flight. SITA's AIRCOM SMS service is the first to offer passengers the facility to hold two-way SMS conversations with people using mobile phones or email accounts, via their in-seat telephone handset or IFE interface.
This latest launch endorses a successful year for SITA's SMS services, following the successful trials of the AIRCOM SMS one-way service on board Singapore Airlines (SIA) aircraft in 2002.
Airlines using existing SATCOM avionics to operate in-flight entertainment services can introduce SITA's AIRCOM SMS service with ease, as a simple software upgrade is all that is required with no need for additions to existing airborne configuration.
"The current trend for airlines is of course to closely monitor the cost/benefit ratio of any new service provided to passengers, yet they all want to differentiate their cabin service with the latest trendy technologies" commented George Cooper, head of Airline Operations and AIRCOM Services, SITA INC. "With SITA's AIRCOM Short Messaging Service, airlines can quickly differentiate their customer offering while benefiting from the low investment needed."
The SMS can be up to 160 characters in length - incorporating words, numbers and certain country-extended character sets. Passengers will be able to choose between paying for the service using their own credit card, or using SITA's AIRCOM Prepaid Calling Card.
Available worldwide, the service is supported through SITA's Satellite AIRCOM which links via Inmarsat satellites into SITA's global network solutions and its global Message Connect Mobile SMS service. This ensures that airlines, airports and other travel companies can also use SMS to quickly inform their staff and passengers on their mobile phones or pagers of important information concerning their travel plans, such as reservations, flight related information or promotional messages.
SITA provides the global reach to deliver SMS messages covering 500 wireless carriers in over 148 countries and can rapidly deploy the service for customers through a single IP connection. This low-cost mechanism can already connect with a wide range of legacy and new applications, so that customers do not have to undertake further investments in software or hardware to make them SMS enabled worldwide.
In addition, SITA's Satellite AIRCOM provides worldwide coverage through Inmarsat's geostationary satellites to over 1,350 commercial aircraft of more than 60 airlines and over more than 1,500 corporate aircraft. Supporting X.25-compatible data communications between aircraft and ground systems to enhance passenger service, Satellite AIRCOM offers airlines SMS, telephone, facsimile and e-mail services for passengers and crew. Aircraft communications for advanced in-flight passenger and crew applications are a key focus and SITA is a leader in developing onboard global access to new services in this area.