Shenzhen Airlines passenger jet. Photo: Star Alliance.

Inmarsat has launched a program to certify third-party commercial applications for use on its SwiftBroadband-Safety (SB-S) platform. The company said its Certified Application Provider (CAP) program is open to established application providers and developers.

A two-step certification process tests and optimizes applications compatible with the flight deck platform. According to Inmarsat, SB-S provides global, high-speed and secure Internet Protocol (IP) broadband connectivity to cockpits. A growing range of applications can, the company said, improve safety and operational efficiency.

Applications provide real-time graphical weather updates, flight optimization, crew workload reduction and other items. Inmarsat said the benefit to certifying applications on SB-S include gaining an expanded ecosystem of expertise and access to new revenue streams and joint business opportunities. The company would also provide test environments and software development kits for optimized data transmission. Inmarsat said it would promote certified applications in its “solutions labs.”

“Our new aviation CAP program not only opens up a wealth of opportunity for existing applications providers and developers to further their innovative solutions,” said Mary McMillan, vice president of safety and operational services at Inmarsat Aviation, “it means we can offer the heightened safety and streamlined operations applications airlines demand.”

The new program gives SB-S customers access to the latest applications and technologies as part of a wider Inmarsat initiative to incorporate third-party applications across its network.

SB-S is currently in service with Hawaiian Airlines, Shenzhen Airlines and United Airlines. Inmarsat said it has also been selected by Airbus for its A320 and A330 fleets.