Virginia-based Iridium Communications has extended its Certus service to provide aircraft with a secure cockpit domain using reliable voice and data capabilities.

The aviation service is for commercial transport aircraft, business aviation, helicopters, private aircraft and uncrewed aircraft systems (UAS).

Using L-band satellite frequencies, Certus complements commercial transport passenger cabin connectivity Ka and Ku band services and can be a primary service for small-to-mid-size business jet cabins. It could also be preferred to HF and VHF for electronic flight bag (EFB), flight critical data and passenger communications during oceanic flights.

Iridium’s partners are introducing a range of multi-tier Certus options that complement other in-flight connectivity installed on aircraft. Multiple Iridium value added manufacturers and resellers are providing a spectrum of Certus 100 and 700 options. Safety certifications are in progress, with flight trials expected to begin by the end of 2023 and approvals expected in 2024.

“The aviation industry is forecasting a period of unprecedented growth, where reliable connectivity has become crucial for both passenger and cockpit communications,” said Matt Desch, CEO of Iridium. “Certus perfectly fits these applications due to the combination of its size, weight and power [swap] as well as the outstanding reliability of our global network. With our upgraded constellation, we have significantly improved and expanded our offerings, delivering air traffic control services, weather and critical information to cockpits worldwide more affordably than ever before.”

With its satellite network in low Earth orbit (LEO), Iridium offers weather-resilient L-band connectivity and global coverage. The flexibility of Certus service to scale device swap requirements both up and down allows users to cater to various mission needs, offering different price points and versatility for diverse aircraft types and operational requirements. Certus also makes it affordable for aircraft operators to obtain real-time data from the cockpit, enabling better decision-making and improved operational efficiency.

“Iridium’s first-generation voice and data are installed on over 60,000 aircraft today and have been critical for flight safety and relied upon by pilots and airlines for years,” said John Peterson, executive director of aviation for Iridium.

The success of Certus technology in maritime and land applications has paved the way for its entry into the aviation realm. Thousands of subscribers use the service.

Iridium is a mobile voice and data satellite communications network that spans the entire globe. It enables connections between people, organisations and assets to and from anywhere, in real time. In 2019, the company completed a generational upgrade of its satellite network and launched its Certus specialty broadband service. Iridium is headquartered in McLean, Virginia.