Photo: Honeywell.

Honeywell’s plans in the aviation arena have been boosted by the news that it has received a technical standard order (TSO-C159) certification from Transport Canada Civil Aviation (TCCA) for its Aspire 400 Satellite Communications System. Honeywell announced this certification July 14. Honeywell’s Aspire 400 offers connectivity via Inmarsat’s SwiftBroadband-Safety (SB-S) service. The company says Aspire 400 marks the start of a new era of cockpit connectivity and aircraft operation.

This TSO certification facilitates installation and certification for Future Air Navigation System operation on multiple aircraft platforms, including line fit and aftermarket upgrades. Honeywell pitches Aspire 400 as a solution that enables all the functionality supported by previous satcom systems but in a much smaller, lighter package that uses less power. Aspire 400 system aims to provide a more secure data pipe to and from the aircraft, delivering safety services and high-speed voice and data communications for cockpits and cabins in a compact, lightweight and low-powered package. Using the Aspire 400 system, an aircraft can communicate more securely with Air Traffic Control and the Airlines Operation Center. The systems also offer broadband data rates that enable Electronic Flight Bags (EFB) and other applications.

“The achievement of the TSO certification for the Honeywell Aspire 400 system is a major milestone for the aviation industry as the system can significantly increase safety and efficiency of air travel,” Mark Goodman, director of product Management for Honeywell Aerospace said in a statement.