Qantas’s low-cost carrier Jetstar is to become the launch customer for a newly-developed private air/ground data communications network designed for regional airlines and small-fleet operators.
Known as the Private ACARS Ground Network (PAGN), the concept will effectively turn Jetstar – previously a SITA customer – into a self-contained datalink service provider.
The airline will own and operate a dedicated ACARS network infrastructure, which will include host processors and ground stations.
Jetstar is expected to commission the system shortly. PAGN has been developed by Australian company Aviation Data Systems and will enable uplink and downlink of ACARS information – typically including aircraft position reports, arrival and departure data, and the status of aircraft systems.
Speaking at Janes ATC Maastricht conference in the Netherlands last week, Aviation Data Systems managing director Murray Joss said that the private network will give airlines low-cost access to data communications, particularly in remote areas.
“It offers a much lower cost alternative to global networks, especially for the smaller regional carriers who have been previously reluctant to commit to high overhead costs,” he said.
By owning the PAGN infrastructure, said Joss, the airline will be able to avoid service and messaging costs associated with the larger service providers.
“Not only will it pay for itself in less than two years, the airline is in total control of its datalink operations because it operates its own ACARS host and each ground station,” he added. “The data is immediately accessible on the airline’s own network, the airline decides where and when to add additional ground stations, and the message costs are zero.”
Joss said that PAGN is fully compatible with the Arinc 618 avionics standard for ACARS. While Jetstar’s Airbus A320s will need a minor software change to switch service provider, he added, aircraft need relatively little or no modification.
DAVID KAMINSKI-MORROW / MAASTRICHT
Source: Flight International
