OnAir and TriaGnoSys Launch Inflight Connectivity Solution for Business Jets

With inflight connectivity now commonplace on business and VIP aircraft, OnAir and TriaGnoSys have launched a new lightweight turnkey solution for business jets.

The system enables passengers to use their mobile devices and laptops for calls, text messages, emailing and Internet browsing, as they do on the ground.

OnAir is the telecoms services provider, with TriaGnoSys providing the hardware and software elements for both the aircraft and the ground. Importantly, the airborne equipment consists of two small, lightweight units, that connect to the aircraft's existing satellite communications system.

Ian Dawkins, CEO of OnAir, said, "Given how much business people use their mobile phones, it isn't surprising they want stay in touch when they are flying, and that is particularly true of business and VIP passengers. We are therefore making it very simple for operators of business jets to provide inflight connectivity services. It is also very simple for passengers: just make a call, send a text message or look at email as you do on the ground."

Mobile phone usage is treated in the same way as international roaming, meaning all costs are charged by the passenger's mobile operator in their regular bill. Therefore, the aircraft operator is not responsible for the administration of accounting for the costs. The service works in exactly the same way as international roaming, with the charges included by each individual passenger's mobile operator in their regular mobile phone bill. That simplicity makes it convenient for both passengers and aircraft operators.

Axel Jahn, Managing Director of TriaGnoSys, said, "Not only is the airborne equipment the lightest ever designed for business jets to support such comprehensive services, it is also straightforward to install. The components are simply connected by Ethernet to the satellite link. They do not require specific cooling and their small size and weight means they do not impinge on cabin space."

The first commercial deployment will be over the Inmarsat SwiftBroadband service, but the solution can operate over any IP backhaul communications link, whether satellite-based or not.

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