TELECOMMUNICATIONS network giant SITA is on the verge of concluding its first satellite-based communications agreement with a US airline. The contract, with a "major US carrier" will, says assistant vice-president, marketing, Rene Azoulai, "...give us the entry point we needed in this very competitive market".
SITA has also just signed up American Airlines in a deal, worth "at least" $50 million, under which its services will be linked to American's Sabre reservations system. "We're adopting a much more aggressive policy towards the USA," says Azoulai (Flight International, 14-20 June).
The latest deal will give the carrier - thought to be United Airlines - a comprehensive system of satellite-based communications services for passenger in-flight entertainment and aircraft data-relay requirements. SITA already has similar contracts with several major European carriers.
Source: Flight International
