Inmarsat has collaborated with Airservices Australia to conduct satellite voice (SatVoice) communications evaluations for air traffic services in Australia that are not covered by traditional very high-frequency (VHF) voice services.

Under the collaboration, companies will help airlines and operators to complement traditional voice communications equipment with modern digital technology.

The partnership’s evaluation is expected to provide two major benefits to customers, including effective and safe aviation safety services over the oceans and remote areas. It should also reduce weight for avionics to help minimise fuel consumption and greenhouse emissions.

The partnership aims to conduct the evaluation over the next few months, with an ultimate goal of facilitating direct controller-to-pilot communications (DCPC).

Virgin Australia is also expected to take part as the airline partner for the evaluation to demonstrate Inmarsat’s SatVoice on four of its B737 aircraft.

“SatVoice communications are designed to streamline the two-stage process, accelerating contact between air traffic control and the aircraft.”

Sitaonair will also participate in the evaluation as the communications service provider to offer connectivity infrastructure. The company provides datalink solutions to Airservices Australia.

Inmarsat Aviation Safety and Operational Services vice-president Mary McMillan said: “As the leader in aviation safety and operational services, Inmarsat is pleased to work with Airservices Australia to demonstrate this important aspect of flight deck connectivity.

“Satellite communication systems have saved the world’s airlines $3bn in the past 15 years.”

According to Inmarsat, improved voice communications in the cockpit will support long-term efficiency and safety improvements that involve direct communications.

The current ‘two-stage dialling’ cockpit communications process requires aircraft to call a ground station that connects the flight deck crew to an air traffic control facility.

SatVoice communications are designed to streamline the two-stage process, accelerating contact between air traffic control and the aircraft.

The two-way channel, satellite-based service is also developed to improve accuracy in cockpit communications and aircraft safety.

It allows faster and better quality voice communications between flight deck crew and designated contacts on the ground, such as air traffic controllers and airline operators.