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Broadband satellite communications technology provided by Thales UK, has enabled passengers to send and receive SMS, MMS and email for the first time on a scheduled international flight through a service managed by OnAir. 

The trial, which began on 17 December 2007 and which will run for six months, is taking place on an Airbus A318 aircraft operated by Air France.

Passengers are increasingly asking for connectivity options. High on their wish list is the convenience of being able to use their own GSM mobile phones and Personal Electronic Devices while in flight. This requires the aircraft to have a broadband connection but
until recently the technology has not been commercially viable for deployment across shorthaul airline fleets. Thales' TopFlight Satcom communications technology and Inmarsat's SwiftBroadband service deliver the combination of performance, size, cost and quality of service that allows in-flight connectivity applications to be introduced on a commercially viable basis.

Through the provision of an onboard mobile base station, the system effectively creates an onboard ‘cell' that uses Thales' broadband satellite communications equipment to route calls and data to networks on the ground.

The Thales technology used for the OnAir service is a world first in that it represents the first commercial flight of an ARINC781 Satcom. The ARINC781 standard is already being selected by Airlines and Aircraft manufacturers alike due to its advantages in size, weight and power consumption over previous generations, together with state of the art antennas, which minimise drag and hence fuel burn.

"This six-month trial will allow Air France to capture valuable data from users of the service," says Peter Hitchcock, Director of Avionic Systems for Thales' aerospace business in the UK. "Technical and certification work has been conducted during 2007. The next stage is vital to see how users respond to this new service. It is important that, together with OnAir, we work with airlines to offer passengers a choice and quality of service that exceeds their expectations."

Hitchcock adds: "Being on the inaugural flight was a fascinating experience. I was one of the first passengers to pull out my phone the moment the new signs switched off to alert passengers that the system was activated. The reactions from people were extremely positive."

The trial shows how Thales aims to create new markets for in-flight entertainment and connectivity by driving development of cost effective cabin communications based on its broadband satellite technology.

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Notes to Editors

OnAir has established relationships with the following commercial carriers:-
Air France
TAP Portugal
bmi
Ryanair
Air Asia
Shenzhen Airlines
Kingfisher Airlines
Air Asia X
European low-cost airline

About OnAir
OnAir was incorporated in February 2005 and is owned by Airbus, the aircraft manufacturer with the most modern and comprehensive product line on the market, and SITA, the world's leading provider of air transport focused applications, communications and IT infrastructure.
 
OnAir's goal is to give airline passengers the ability to communicate from the sky. The OnAir service portfolio addresses passenger voice and data communications needs on both long- and short-haul flights, on commercial Airbus and Boeing aircraft, while focusing on passengers' needs, offering choice, and ensuring an economically viable business model for airlines. OnAir is a member of the GSM Association and an Inmarsat Distribution Partner for SwiftBroadband services.

Further information can be found at www.onair.aero

About Thales UK and Thales
Thales UK is a major electronics and systems group serving defence, aerospace, security and services markets. Thales employs 9,000 staff in the UK, based at more than 50 locations. In 2006 Thales UK's revenues were over £1 bn.

Thales is a leading international electronics and systems group, addressing defence, aerospace and security markets worldwide. Thales' leading-edge technology is supported by 22,000 R&D engineers who offer a capability unmatched in Europe to develop and deploy field-proven mission-critical information systems. To this end, the group's civil and military businesses develop in parallel and share a common base of technologies to serve a single objective: the security of people, property and nations. The group builds its growth on its unique multi-domestic strategy based on trusted partnerships with national customers and market players, while leveraging its global expertise to support local technology and industrial development. Thales employs 68,000 people in 50 countries with forecast 2007 revenues in excess of €12 billion.

Press contact:
Thales UK
Kathryn Bell
Tel: +44 1932 824832
Mob: +44 7813 903274
Email: kathryn.bell@thalesgroup.com

Thales Aerospace in the UK       
Karen Thomas,    
Tel: + 44 1293 644772      
Mob: + 44 7968 570642      
Email: karen.thomas@uk.thalesgroup.com