Cebu Pacific Air’s digital transformation plan has been linked with Inmarsat’s Swift Broadband-Safety (SB-S) satellite network service to assist with Cebu Pacific Air’s digital transformation. On the airline’s new Airbus A330neos, the combined technologies will improve cockpit communications while increasing operating efficiencies.
For the air transport industry to recover from COVID-19, digitalization is a high priority. Cebu Pacific, the Philippines’ largest low-cost carrier, is one of many airlines embarking on a digital transformation program that includes modernizing its fleet with technologies that enable real-time weather and flight planning updates to promote better decision-making. SITA has incorporated Inmarsat’s cutting-edge SB-S satellite network service into its AIRCOM Cockpit Capabilities offering, making Cebu Pacific the first airline to take advantage of both services on its new fleet. The SB-S is also the first factory-fitted voice and data communications system aboard an Airbus airplane, offering more sophisticated, secure, and dependable voice and data communications to the flight deck. The airline’s new IP connectivity, which allows for faster data transmission and better broadband speeds and coverage, will provide the airline with a number of operational advantages.
By incorporating current satellite technology into the cockpit, airlines such as Cebu Pacific will be able to maximize the benefits of revolutionary inflight efficiency and safety applications. Pilots will be able to get real-time updates for flight optimization programs such as SITA’s OptiFlight and graphical weather applications such as SITA’s eWAS Pilot, for example. The real-time data offered by apps like these will aid pilot decision-making, allowing them to adjust, avoid weather dangers and delays, improve comfort and safety onboard, and save money on fuel and operations.
Javier Massot, Chief Operations Adviser, Cebu Pacific Air, said: “We turned to SITA given their expertise in the aircraft domain to help us navigate the challenges and complexities of the aircraft communications landscape, and prepare us for that future. Having high-speed connectivity and greater capacity is essential to access more advanced digital applications that support decision-making onboard. It will enable our pilots and operational staff to access information in real-time and deliver a better service for our passengers.”
Sumesh Patel, President of Asia Pacific, SITA, said: “We are delighted to offer the latest advances in technology to support the industry’s transition to a more digitalised cockpit. As the specialists in this field, SITA is dedicated to delivering the crucial, industry-certified services airlines rely upon to run their daily operations. Cebu Pacific is the first airline to take advantage of these capabilities to boost safety and deliver greater operational efficiencies on their new fleet.”
Beyond Airbus single-aisle A320neos and wide-aisle A330neos, the integrated AIRCOM Cockpit Services and SB-S solutions will be made available to more aircraft types, allowing more airlines to profit.
