Wifi sign onboard a commercial aircraft. Photo: Business Wire

Thuraya Telecommunications has announced the launch of Thuraya Aero, a satellite communication service that enables In-Flight Connectivity (IFC) for internet access, voice calls, text messaging and high-speed data applications on board small to medium-sized aircrafts. Developed in collaboration with the Aero Group, a consortium of global technology and service innovators consisting of Cobham, Scotty Group, SRT Wireless and led by smp aviation, Thuraya Aero is suitable for fixed wing and rotary wing aircrafts as well as any other air platforms flying missions beyond line of sight, according to the company.

Thuraya Aero enables applications requiring real-time airborne data such as Search and Rescue (SAR), Intelligence, Surveillance and Reconnaissance (ISR), telemedicine, military operations, office-in-the-sky and border surveillance. Thuraya hopes to provide services to a wide range of market segments including government, military, enterprise and disaster relief.

Ahmed Al Shamsi, acting Chief Executive Officer (CEO) at Thuraya, iterated that launching Thuraya Aero is a vital first step toward the company’s efforts to build a considerable presence in the aeronautical sector.

Designed to operate at Internet Protocol (IP) broadband speeds of up to 444 kbps in single channel configuration and up to 700 kbps with a dual channel system, Thuraya Aero also comes with a built-in video transmission capability that offers real-time video streaming using on-board High Definition (HD) camera systems. According to Thuraya, this makes Aero well suited for ISR and SAR aircrafts and other air platforms.

For business aviation, Thuraya Aero provides VIP and executive IFC. During flight, executives can talk on their own smartphone, send and receive text messages, access email and internet with any mobile device, and hold video conferences.