Inmarsat has approved the launch of the Mini-M Aero satellite communication (satcom) service for corporate aircraft.
Mini-M Aero, an adaptation of Inmarsat's Mini-M service for land mobile and maritime users, will provide satcom services for business aircraft users. The services will be less expensive than those available with Inmarsat's Aero-I and Aero-H services.
The Mini-M Aero, a direct competitor to AlliedSignal's single-channel Airsat-1 Iridium system, will provide single-channel voice and data service, including secure communications. The laptop-sized system is expected to cost half the $85,000 list price of Aero-I equipment, while call tariffs will be "considerably cheaper" than those of Aero-I, says Inmarsat aeronautical services market manager David Coiley. Equipment is expected to be available by the end of June.
The approval of the service follows successful flight trials on a South African Red Cross Cessna Citation, using Thrane & Thrane/ Nera equipment Mini-M Aero is a satcom service aimed at mid-size and entry-level business aircraft.
Source: Flight International
