SITA to Keep Air Mauritius’ New Airbus A350 Fleet Connected to Key Systems on the Ground Wireless connectivity at the gate will allow the aircraft to connect to vital aircraft, airline systems PORT LOUIS, Mauritius, February 8, 2018/APO Group/ -- SITA (www.SITA.aero) is providing wireless connectivity on the ground to Air Mauritius’ new fleet of Airbus A350 aircraft, keeping the new-generation aircraft connected to the vital back-end systems no matter where they fly. In October 2017, Air Mauritius introduced the first two new-generation Airbus A350 aircraft with a further four expected to join the fleet over the next few years. The Airbus A350 is one of the most advanced aircraft flying today. It brings with it a unique complexity with large data exchange in its own unique protocol – Media Independent Aircraft Messaging (MIAM). This is designed to exchange large amounts of data between the aircraft and ground systems using multiple communication channels. SITAONAIR – SITA’s sister company focused on connected aircraft – has developed a solution to understand this complex MIAM communication and simplify integration into airline systems and processes. Additionally, Air Mauritius wanted this exchange over Inmarsat SwiftBroadband (SBB). This required SITAONAIR to work closely with all stakeholders, including Airbus and IBM, to ensure the successful launch of A350 operations and in the process, hosting the entire service in the SITA ATI Cloud. At the gate, SITA’s wireless connectivity (https://goo.gl/HSbd1Z) allows the airline to quickly and securely exchange vital aircraft information generated during flight with both the airline’s own systems as well as with Airbus and IBM. At the same time key information ahead of the next flight can be uploaded, including passenger and flight information. This connectivity allows for rapid exchange of aircraft information which will help Air Mauritius speed up aircraft turnaround times while ensuring seamless management of the aircraft’s systems by ensuring complete connectivity globally.   Donald Li Ying, Vice President – Information Systems at Air Mauritius, said: “As Air Mauritius begins to introduce a new-generation of connected aircraft such as the Airbus A350, it is vital that we have a partner that can support the transfer of data both in the air and on the ground. This is vital to leverage the full benefit that connected aircraft can bring to the airline and our passengers.” Maneesh Jaikrishna, SITA Vice President Indian Subcontinent, Eastern & Southern Africa said: “The continued growth in connected aircraft such at the Airbus A350 is opening new possibilities to enhance the passenger experience on board as well drive new efficiencies in how these aircraft are managed.” “These new aircraft have become flying data centers which rely on world-class connectivity in order to exchange information on everything from engine data, passenger requirements to updates at the destination. This requires reliable, fast connectivity no matter where the aircraft finds itself. At SITA we are working with airlines globally to support that connectivity and ensure that the full benefits of connected aircraft can be unlocked.”    A total of 30% of airlines are already operating connected aircraft within their fleet and 73% of airlines will either operate or have taken delivery of connected aircraft in the next three years, according to SITA Air Transport IT Insights 2017 (https://goo.gl/gBeu9k). Distributed by APO Group on behalf of SITA.For further information (not for publication) contact: SITA  Julius Baumann Media Relations Manager Tel: +41 22 747 6993 Email: Julius.Baumann@SITA.aero Leidar Charlie Pryor Tel : +44 20 7872 5465 Email : Charlie.Pryor@Leidar.com Skype: LEIDAR_Charlie SITA (Indian Subcontinent, Eastern & Southern Africa) Vishwendra Verma Regional Marketing Manager  Mobile: +91 9650017018 E-Mail: Vishwendra.Verma@SITA.aero  SITAONAIR  Daisy Blacklock | Sam Wilson  Corporate Communications, SITAONAIR  +44 (0) 117 980 6388 Media.Relations@SITAONAIR.aero Tweet this: • SITA, SITAONAIR keep @airmauritius’ new fleet of Airbus A350 aircraft connected while on the ground http://ow.ly/iukg30ifOh4 • SITA, SITAONAIR connectivity allows @airmauritius to leverage the full benefit that connected aircraft bring to its passengers. http://ow.ly/iukg30ifOh4 • 73% of airlines expect to take delivery of connected aircraft in the next three years. We at SITA will help keep them connected. http://ow.ly/iukg30ifOh4 Follow SITA online (https://goo.gl/kj8iNV) and at these links: • LinkedIn: www.LinkedIn.com/companies/sita • Twitter: www.Twitter.com/SITAOnline • Youtube: www.Youtube.com/SITAOnline • Facebook: www.Facebook.com/sitaonline • Google+: www.Plus.Google.com/+SITAOnline • Slidedhare: www.Slideshare.net/SITAOnline • Pinterest: www.Pinterest.com/sitaonline • Flickr: www.Flickr.com/photos/sitaonline • Blog: www.SITA.aero/knowledge-innovation/blogs SITA photos available here: www.SITA.aero/pressroom/image-gallery and videos and info graphics here: www.SITA.aero/pressroom. About SITA: SITA (www.SITA.aero) is the communications and IT solution provider that transforms air travel through technology for airlines, at airports and on aircraft. The company’s portfolio covers everything from managed global communications and infrastructure services, to eAircraft, passenger management, baggage, self-service, airport and border management solutions. Owned 100% by more than 400 air transport industry members, SITA has a unique understanding of its needs and places a strong emphasis on technology innovation.  Nearly every airline and airport in the world does business with SITA and its border management solutions are used by more than 30 governments. With a presence at more than 1,000 airports around the world and a customer service team of 2,000+ staff, SITA delivers unmatched service to more than 2,800 customers in more than 200 countries.   In 2016, SITA had consolidated revenues of US$1.5 billion. SITA’s subsidiaries and joint ventures include SITAONAIR (www.SITAONAIR.aero), CHAMP Cargosystems (www.Champ.aero) and Aviareto (www.Aviareto.aero).  For further information go to www.SITA.aero. About SITAONAIR SITAONAIR (www.SITAONAIR.aero) is the air travel industry’s trusted connected aircraft service expert. With its unrivalled industry-backed heritage, SITAONAIR empowers 400+ airlines and 16,000+ aircraft to navigate the complexity of connectivity and unlock connected aircraft value. We work in partnership with the air travel community, helping support its digital transformation, to unlock the true value of data, grow ancillary revenues, and enhance the passenger experience, operational efficiency and airline safety. Our co-created solutions for passengers, cockpit and cabin crew, and aircraft data management, equip the industry to address the challenges and value-generating opportunities it presents. SITAONAIR is a subsidiary of The SITA Group, which is airline-owned and airline focused. Find out more by visiting www.SITAONAIR.aero