Technology

Geneva, 22nd March 2025: In a significant step for aviation connectivity, SITA and Orange Business have extended their partnership for another five years, strengthening a collaboration that has been in place since 2001. This renewed five-year agreement provides stronger longterm stability and brings fresh opportunities to make connectivity more agile and efficient for airlines and airports worldwide. SITA continues its partnership with Orange Business to deliver world-class connectivity to the Air Transport Industry (ATI), offering secure, efficient, and resilient networking solutions. As part of this collaboration, both companies are exploring opportunities to bring their differentiated capabilities to create unique ATI relevant digital services and platforms. As well as network services there will also be a focus on areas such as advanced cybersecurity, smart airports/smart cities solutions, and digital transformation tools to the ATI. This paves the way for innovations that could redefine the future of aviation connectivity. “Aviation thrives on fast, secure, and seamless connectivity. Our continued partnership provides the 2,500+ global customers and the 200+ countries and territories we serve with the stability of a proven global partnership while gaining access to smarter, more flexible communications solutions,” said David Lavorel, CEO at SITA. “We’re building on a history of collaboration, to propel the industry forward, delivering faster connectivity, stronger security, and unlocking innovations in AI and sustainability.” This partnership isn’t just about continuity – it’s about progress. SITA and Orange Business are exploring new ways to push the boundaries of aviation connectivity, from AI-driven efficiencies to advanced security solutions. By staying ahead of industry challenges, this collaboration is shaping the future of how airlines and airports stay connected. “Our renewed partnership with SITA demonstrates our commitment to enhance aviation connectivity with resilient digital infrastructure. Together we ensure that airlines and airports have the foundation to operate seamlessly across the globe to make travel smoother for everyone,” said Aliette Mousnier-Lompré, CEO at Orange Business. “Looking ahead, we will continue to innovate and transform the aviation industry through the most advanced communications solutions, helping to make every journey a connected experience.” This renewal marks a significant step in SITA’s broader network transformation strategy, strengthening its ability to offer future-ready connectivity solutions for the aviation industry. With training and operational updates rolling out soon, SITA and Orange Business are making sure customers and teams get the most out of this renewed partnership. The future of aviation connectivity is here and it’s more reliable, secure, and adaptable than ever.

Singapore,12th March 2025: Vietnam Airlines has selected Network Planning and Optimization technology from Sabre Corporation, the global travel technology company, as the airline sets its sights on global growth. With big plans for international expansion, Vietnam’s flag carrier has recently added routes to the US, Germany, India, Italy, and the Philippines, and is also exploring new destinations across Europe, the US, Canada, Australia, and Asia. “As we prepare to expand our global network, having the right technology to guide smart, data-driven decisions is essential,” said Mr. Nguyen Quang Trung, Director of Corporate Planning and Development at Vietnam Airlines. “Sabre’s Network Planning and Optimization tools will help us pinpoint profitable routes, create optimized schedules, and stay agile in a dynamic environment – enabling us to deliver greater value for both our passengers and our business.” Vietnam Airlines has chosen Sabre’s Fleet Manager to match capacity and aircraft type with demand, Profit Manager to accurately forecast and maximize network profitability, Network Manager to achieve hub optimization and enhanced codeshare planning, and Schedule Manager to deliver revenue-driven schedules across its network. The airline also already distributes its fares and offers through Sabre’s global travel marketplace. “We’re excited to support Vietnam Airlines to enable their ambitious growth and operational success,” said Rakesh Narayanan, Vice President, Regional General Manager, Asia Pacific, Travel Solutions Airline Sales. “This new agreement underscores the strength of Sabre’s technology in addressing the increasingly complex challenges faced by the world’s top airlines when it comes to creating optimum plans. We look forward to helping Vietnam Airlines to unlock further geographic and revenue growth.”

Frankfurt, 26 February 2025: ITA Airways and Lufthansa Group are moving closer together for their customers. The respective route networks of ITA Airways and the other network airlines of the Lufthansa Group will be linked for the first time through mutual code sharing, making it possible to combine them seamlessly in a single booking. With today’s sales launch, over 100 new codeshare connections can be booked by both ITA Airways and the Lufthansa Group (Lufthansa, SWISS, Austrian Airlines, Brussels Airlines, Air Dolomiti) for flight dates starting with the summer 2025 schedule. By sharing or adding codeshare flight numbers to an existing flight, customers have a wider choice of flights and more flexibility. Despite traveling with different airlines, passengers will in future have just one ticket with the flight number of a single airline for transfer connections thanks to codeshares, and they will be able to check in their baggage conveniently to their final destination. Members of the Miles & More or Volare loyalty programs will also be able to collect and redeem miles or points on codeshare flights. Dieter Vranckx, Chief Commercial Officer, Lufthansa Group, said: “ITA Airways is now an integral part of the offering for our joint passengers. With just one booking, a customer of the Lufthansa Group can use ITA Airways’ synchronized connecting flights with its airline’s flight numbers. Codesharing will further improve and harmonize the travel experience of all passengers at the Lufthansa Group’s hubs. The integration of ITA Airways as part of the Lufthansa Group is progressing rapidly and now enables far-reaching advantages in the offering for our joint customers through code sharing.” With the start of the summer flight schedule on 30 March 2025, selected ITA Airways flights will also operate under a flight number of Lufthansa, SWISS, Austrian Airlines or Brussels Airlines. These are both year-round, domestic Italian connecting flights from Rome-Fiumicino and international routes from Rome to Malta, Athens, Sofia and Tirana. ITA Airways destinations such as Alghero (Sardinia), Pantelleria (Sicily) and Reggio di Calabria can be booked by Lufthansa Group customers for the first time. In addition, the codes will also be added to ITA Airways flights between Italy and the other Lufthansa Group hubs. For example, from the summer flight schedule, a Lufthansa customer can book a trip with Lufthansa from Frankfurt to Rome under flight number LH236 and then combine it with ITA Airways from Rome to Brindisi under flight number LH5078, thus obtaining an additional travel option to the Lufthansa Group’s existing flight connections to Brindisi. Conversely, ITA Airways passengers will in future be able to plan their journey with connecting flights from other network airlines of Lufthansa Group. Initially, this new codeshare offer with ITA Airways will cover flight routes within Europe. Destinations in Northern, Central and Eastern Europe can be conveniently reached in future with an ITA ticket from Italy. Once the codeshare program is fully implemented, ITA Airways passengers will be able to choose from over 250 destinations offered by the Lufthansa Group.

Doha, 24th Feb 2025: Thales and Qatar Airways has signed a memorandum of understanding (MOU) to establish a dedicated Inflight Entertainment (IFE) service and maintenance center based in Doha, Qatar. The local Thales facility will provide rapid access to comprehensive services such as repair, spare distribution, technical assistance and line maintenance for the full range of Thales IFE products. This will drive Qatar Airways’ operational excellence and support the airline’s ambitious growth plans to serve a large quantity of aircraft. In line with Qatar Vision 2030, this partnership will contribute to the growth of the aerospace and MRO (Maintenance, Repair and Operations) ecosystem and bring high-skilled jobs to the country. This MOU builds on a strong and long-standing relationship between the two companies. Over the years, Thales has been Qatar Airways’ trusted IFE provider for several aircraft platforms, including their Boeing 787-8 Dreamliner, A350 and A380 aircraft. This partnership was recently expanded to include Qatar Airways’ new A321 NX fleet, which will be equipped with Thales’ award-winning FlytEDGE cloud-native IFE solution. Thomas Got, Vice President, Aviation Global Services at Thales said:, “Our partnership with Qatar Airways is growing stronger. This MOU underscores our shared commitment to even greater operational excellence and lays the groundwork for developing a local service hub and expertise in Doha, to support the airline’s future growth ambitions.”

Abu Dhabi,18th February, 2025: As dual-use technologies increasingly drive economies of scale worldwide, ADASI has announced their adoption of two advanced autonomous flight technologies by Abu Dhabi’s VentureOne: Perceptra, a new cutting-edge GPS-less navigation technology, and Saluki, a high-security flight control technology for autonomous systems. These technologies, both developed by the Technology Innovation Institute, are designed to deliver secure, resilient operations in the most challenging environments. They have been optimized for UAV manufacturers, offering enhanced resilience, precision, and security for autonomous aerial operations. The agreement between VentureOne, ADASI, and TII was formalized at IDEX 2025, the Middle East’s largest defense exhibition, at which Saluki and Perceptra were unveiled. Global Positioning System (GPS) technology has long been a fundamental pillar of navigation, supporting applications from everyday smartphone use to critical defense and military operations. However, this widespread reliance on GPS has exposed vulnerabilities that can be exploited through techniques like jamming and spoofing. Jamming occurs when signals on the same frequency overwhelm GPS receivers, preventing accurate location tracking, while spoofing involves transmitting counterfeit signals to deceive receivers into calculating incorrect positions or times. These vulnerabilities pose significant risks across sectors that depend on precise navigation, including autonomous drones, commercial aviation, and military aircraft. In defense and security, compromised GPS signals can impact mission success and personnel safety, while in aviation, navigation errors may cause flight path deviations and operational disruptions – reports of which have the aviation industry and international regulators such as IATA and European regulator EASA seeking urgent solutions for GPS interference, according to one Reuters report in 2024. For autonomous systems like drones and self-driving vehicles, the inability to maintain accurate positioning can create safety hazards, particularly in dynamic or high-risk environments, from aviation to defense. As the use of GPS-dependent systems continues to grow, the need for resilient, alternative navigation solutions has become increasingly critical. Perceptra and Saluki overcome many of today’s numerous challenges with advanced vision-based navigation, delivering reliable, resilient performance. Dr. Najwa Aaraj, CEO of TII, said, “Perceptra, with its GPS-less capabilities, and Saluki, with its sophisticated Zero Trust architecture, represent a significant leap in autonomous navigation with the potential to transform multiple sectors. From supporting safe travel in commercial flights, search-and-rescue missions with precise navigation, to enabling efficient urban drone logistics for deliveries in densely populated cities, these technologies have broad real-world applications. Their adaptability also makes them invaluable in defense, ensuring secure and resilient operations in even the most challenging environments. This collaboration reflects our commitment to developing advanced, dual-use technologies that serve both civilian and defense needs while positioning the UAE as a leader in next-generation autonomous systems.” Perceptra is a vision-based system that ensures reliable navigation without GPS, allowing aerial platforms to operate in GNSS-denied environments. It features visual relocking, low navigation errors, and easy integration across platforms for intelligence, surveillance, reconnaissance, and electronic warfare. Saluki is a secure, high-performance flight controller and mission computer with Zero Trust architecture. With PX4 compatibility, Gen AI capabilities, and 300 TOPS compute power, it supports multi-vehicle management for mission-critical defense applications. “At ADASI, we integrate only the most advanced, field-proven technologies to ensure our UAVs operate with unmatched precision, resilience, and security, even in the most contested environments,” said Juma Al Kaabi, the CEO of ADASI. “Perceptra and Saluki provide exactly what next-generation UAVs require: secure, GPS-independent navigation and AI-powered mission control.” “VentureOne is dedicated to ensuring that cutting-edge research becomes reality to make a positive impact and transform industries,” said Reda Nidhakou, the Acting CEO of VentureOne. “Saluki and Perceptra are just two of many new innovations to come that will help ensure more resilient and safer drone operations in different sectors, starting with defense. We are working on a more comprehensive air autonomy and security portfolio that will play a central role in future drone operations.” Last week, TII announced its collaboration with the General Civil Aviation Authority (GCAA) to support regulatory efforts by developing advanced methodologies for air corridor design. These methodologies aim to optimize flight routes and reduce the risk of aerial incidents in complex urban airspaces, ensuring safe and efficient navigation for both piloted and autonomous drone taxis. These efforts, alongside Perceptra and Saluki, reinforce Abu Dhabi’s vision to lead in next-generation navigation and AI-powered autonomy. Both VentureOne and TII are part of the Advanced Technology Research Council (ATRC), which oversees Abu Dhabi’s research and development ecosystem to advance transformative technologies with global impact. ADASI is part of the EDGE Group, the advanced technology and defense conglomerate.

Bengaluru, Feb. 12, 2025: Collins Aerospace, an RTX business announced the launch of its Powered by Collins Initiative 2025 edition at Aero India. The initiative invites deep tech small- to medium-sized enterprises to work with a leader in aerospace and defense through targeted collaboration opportunities which represent technologies critical to the industry’s future. This year’s opportunities bring focus to material informatics and quantum-enabled navigation. Collaboration opportunities represent known needs for active aerospace and defense projects and programs, where collaboration through funded, rapid development demonstration programs can accelerate deployment of solutions for customers. Since its launch in 2023, the Powered by Collins Initiative has worked with companies focused on aerospace and defense as well as companies in adjacent industries. In addition to this year’s collaboration opportunities, Collins has expanded the program with the launch of the Powered by Collins ecosystem on Switchpitch – an online startup relationship management platform that helps to connect startups with enterprises, investors and technology accelerators. “Innovation and Collins’ technology development needs are constantly evolving, and the Powered by Collins Ecosystem serves as a complement to our existing collaboration network, enabling Collins business teams to engage potential solution providers throughout the year. We believe this will unlock even more dynamic collaboration and rapidly provide solutions to meet our customers’ needs,” said Mary Lombardo, vice president, Advanced Technology for Collins.

Broomfield, CO./6 February 2025: Gogo Business Aviation Satcom Direct announced the finalizing of a multifaceted Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) with Airbus. The MoU confirms the two organizations’ aim to leverage the full potential of the Gogo Air-to-Ground (ATG), FlightDeck Freedom, and Gogo Galileo satellite connectivity solutions to deliver low-latency, high-speed broadband internet to Airbus ACJ operators. The joint commitment, once firmedup,will allow Airbus’ ACJ Connect Link customers to benefit from ATG and Gogo Galileo Half Duplex (HDX) and Full Duplex (FDX) terminals provided as retrofit options on all Airbus ACJ types. In addition, it will include the full suite of Gogo|SD added value services, including cybersecurity services, crew training and 24/7/365 customer support. Powered by the Eutelsat OneWeb Low Earth Orbit, LEO constellation, which is the only LEO network delivering enterprise-grade aviation solutions, Gogo will supply Airbus ACJ operators with its next-gen phased array antennas to integrate into Airbus’ ACJ Connect Link solution. With a small form factor and fewer components, minimal downtime is required to equip the airframe, enabling rapid access to high-speed cabin connectivity, flight deck services and inflight entertainment. Chadi Saade, President of Airbus Corporate Jets, said, “We are very pleased to enterinto this MoU agreement with Gogo, especially as we aim to offer our Airbus ACJ operators and business leaders the highest standard connectivity solutions and customer support. This will allow them to be in the right place at the right time, connected and ready to act. Moreover, we are confident that Gogo presents a compelling solution with its cutting-edge technology, backed by a global customer support team of industry experts.” Airbus will collaborate with its qualified partners to certify the terminal integration and generate the required Supplemental Type Certificates for the HDX, FDX, and ATG equipment installations. Once the solution is approved and following the firm contract signature, Airbus will lead the marketing and sales activities to ensure that ACJ operators can optimize the suite of connectivity solutions. The Gogo Galileo solution will enrich Airbus’ ACJ Connect Link offering so that operators, passengers, and crew will be able to enjoy a plethora of uninterrupted applications, including voice, internet, email services, video conferencing, gaming, and live movie and TV streaming from boarding to deplaning globally. “With the Gogo Galileo solution, Airbus ACJ operators have immediate access to global, low latency broadband service to support full connectivity capability and redundancy. Passengers will be able to emulate their digital life on the ground in the air,” says Chris Moore, CEO of Gogo. “As these aircraft frequently travel the globe, the operators need to know they can deliver reliable, consistent connectivity at all times, and we are committed to ensuring that we deliver best-in-class connectivity to Airbus ACJ customers. This is a major milestone in the Gogo connectivity journey, and we’re proud to work with Airbus to elevate and enrich its connectivity offering,” concludes Moore.

Hyderabad/Wessling, 20TH Jan 2025: Cyient has announced that it has expanded its strategic partnership with Deutsche Aircraft, German regional aircraft manufacturer. Cyient has been awarded a multi-year contract to manage the advanced technical documentation to support the product lifecycle of safety-critical aviation systems for the 40-seater regional turboprop the D328eco. The solution will support Deutsche Aircraft’s global customer base with a modular and scalable architecture, personalized user experience, faster time to market, and worldwide access through any device. It will take advantage of Cyient AI products embedded in the solution. The collaboration further strengthens Cyient’s position as a trusted partner in the Indian and European aerospace markets, while for Deutsche Aircraft, it marks a significant stride in the “Make in India” mission.“We are excited to further strengthen our collaboration with Deutsche Aircraft by contributing to another critical milestone for the D328eco aircraft development,” said Krishna Bodanapu, Executive Vice Chairman and Managing Director of Cyient. “This continued partnership is a testament to Cyient’s unwavering commitment to delivering innovative engineering solutions in the aerospace sector. Our deep expertise across Aircraft Systems, Software, Structure, Manufacturing, and Aftermarket Solutions positions us to play a global partner role in the success of the D328eco program. Together with Deutsche Aircraft, we are excited to drive forward advancements in sustainable aviation technology, shaping the future of aerospace innovation,” he added. “We are thrilled to be working with Cyient, and the expansion of our partnership represents a strong commitment to India while supporting the “Make in India” initiative,” said Nico Neumann, Co-CEO of Deutsche Aircraft. “This expanded collaboration with Cyient will enable Deutsche Aircraft to work with one of the best ER&D companies in the Aerospace industry and further enhance the development of the D328eco Program. Cyient’s expertise and innovative approach perfectly align with Deutsche Aircraft’s vision of delivering advanced service and product solutions,” he added.

Astana, 15th Jan 2025: Stellar Entertainment has partnered with Air Astana, the largest airline in Central Asia and the Caucasus, to enhance the inflight entertainment experience for passengers of Kazakhstan’s flag carrier. As Air Astana’s Content Service Provider, Stellar Entertainment delivers comprehensive IFE services, including content curation, licensing, encoding, metadata, KCTV inflight magazine and IFE guide design and updates in Kazakh, Russian, and English, and dedicated account management. Zhamilya Jaxybekova, IFE Manager from Air Astana remarked: “We’re pleased to partner with Stellar Entertainment to deliver a world-class inflight entertainment experience with the spirit of Kazakhstan at its core. Through their expertise and extensive industry relationships, we can bring the stories and sounds of our country to a global audience, offering passengers an engaging and culturally rich journey onboard. This partnership reinforces our mission to be a cultural ambassador for Kazakhstan.” Sam Allen, Chief Executive Officer of Stellar Entertainment, expressed his enthusiasm for the collaboration: “Partnering with Air Astana is an incredible opportunity to combine our global expertise with a localised focus, celebrating the unique cultural heritage of Kazakhstan. We’re proud to be part of Air Astana’s journey as they expand their network and increase their presence across Central Asia, South and East Asia, Europe, and the Middle East.” Air Astana’s vision for inflight entertainment reflects its unwavering commitment to celebrating Kazakhstan’s unique identity. The content curation strategy is designed to showcase the rich cultural heritage of the nation, offering passengers a truly immersive experience. Some key highlights of Air Astana’s entertainment approach include: • Championing Kazakh Cinema – A cornerstone of Air Astana’s entertainment strategy is its dedication to supporting Kazakhstan’s burgeoning film industry. The airline proudly features a curated selection of recent local movie releases, spotlighting the talents of both emerging and established Kazakh filmmakers. Passengers have consistently rated Kazakh films as some of the most memorable onboard experiences, reflecting their universal storytelling appeal. • Russian-Dubbed Content – Recognising its predominantly Russian-speaking passenger base, Air Astana ensures inclusivity by offering Russian dubs for the majority of its content. Many films and TV shows are dubbed in Russian for the first time, specifically for Air Astana, expanding accessibility and engagement for a wider audience. • Spotlight on Timeless Cinema – Starting February 2025, the airline’s “Spotlight” category will bring classic films to the inflight lineup. This collection goes beyond Hollywood blockbusters, offering a journey through timeless classics from around the globe. • Content adapted for Accessibility – Air Astana goes a step further in inclusivity by offering a dedicated section called ‘Accessibility’ within its inflight entertainment system. This section is specifically designed for customers with hearing impairments and visually impaired passengers. Air Astana is also tapping into Stellar’s renowned expertise in audio programming and licensing, helping to ensure that music plays a pivotal role in the onboard selection. An extensive library combines timeless classics and contemporary hits: •Fresh and Evolving Content – The airline’s massive music catalogue features 600 albums, with 50% of the library refreshed every month. This allows passengers to discover fresh tracks while enjoying timeless favourites. •Amplifying Kazakh Voices – Showcasing the country’s vibrant musical talent, Air Astana highlights an unparalleled selection of Kazakh music. From traditional melodies to modern hits, passengers can explore the sounds of Kazakhstan in the extensive inflight library of local music, reinforcing Air Astana’s role as a cultural ambassador.

DUBAI, December 12, 2024: Honeywell has signed a MoU with Sino Jet at the MEBAA show. Subject to the MoU, both parties expect to expand their collaboration in areas such as aviation services and new technology development, and support Honeywell’s alignment of its portfolio around three compelling megatrends, including the future of aviation. Honeywell has provided datalink subscription, navigation and terrain databases, and other connected services for Sino Jet’s fleet, along with extensive cooperation on aftermarket parts support. Under the terms of the MoU, the two companies plan to deepen cooperation in next-generation connectivity technologies such as Honeywell’s high-speed JetWaveTM X SATCOM system. JetWaveTM X is the next-generation SATCOM system designed for business aviation. It will provide customers with unprecedented coverage and data speeds by leveraging Viasat’s Ka-band network, which includes ViaSat-3 and Global Xpress (GX) satellites. The system enables access to speeds that exceed increasing passenger demands and the most data-hungry applications of the future, with typical speeds consistently greater than 30 Mbps and as high as 100 Mbps, even in the busiest flight corridors. Building upon the success of Honeywell’s JetWaveTM SATCOM system, JetWaveTM X is easy to install and provides the flexibility to connect to any Viasat Ka-band satellite. “We are excited to be further strengthening our partnership with Honeywell as we celebrate the opening of Sino Jet’s Middle East International Headquarters. At Sino Jet, we believe that innovation is the key driver behind our business growth and the digital transformation of the business aviation industry.” Said Chris Wu, International President of Sino Jet. “The advanced connectivity technologies and solutions provided by Honeywell have greatly benefited our clients, offering them significant convenience and value. We are eager to collaborate with Honeywell on the upcoming next-generation JetWaveTM X satellite communication system, aiming to elevate the customer experience in the business aviation sector to unprecedented levels while ensuring even higher standards of safety and operational excellence.” “Staying connected is critical to flight safety and efficiency. Honeywell’s satellite communications systems provide operators, passengers, and crew with reliable, consistent connectivity throughout the world,” said Jason Wissink, Vice President & General Manager, Services and Connectivity, Honeywell Aerospace Technologies. “We are honored to further deepen our collaboration with Sino Jet. With over 30 years of expertise in satellite communication, Honeywell aims to help Sino Jet achieve a safe, efficient, and smart fleet operation, providing passengers with a seamless connected service experience.”