SITA teams up with Harris Corp. to provide Data Link Network

SITA has announced signing a seven-year contract with systems integrator, Harris Corporation. SITA is providing Harris with the equipment to deploy an FAA-approved aircraft ground station network that will enable air to ground digital data communications.
The contract is part of the $150-million Data Communications Network Services (DCNS) element of Harris’ Data Communications Integrated Services (DCIS) Program. Aircraft digital data communication is one of the primary components of the FAA’s NextGen system.

John O'Sullivan, Vice-President, Civil Programs, Harris Government Communications Systems, said, “Teaming with SITA allows us to provide a VHF data link network providing service to the FAA, enabling the movement away from voice communications for air traffic control to digital data connectivity.

Harris will deploy an ACARS message processor using SITA software, to process all the FAA messages in a secure environment and send the airline communications via SITA.

Philip Clinch, Vice-President Aircraft Services, SITA, said, “SITA uses Harris VDL stations to provide data link networks to the European Air Navigation Service Providers (ANSPs) complying with the Single European Sky mandate. We responded to the FAA selection of Harris to provide their NextGen VHF data link service by providing Harris the means to deliver this required service, while also guaranteeing FAA-compliant service to the many airlines that use SITA AIRCOM in the USA.

SITA has been promoting, and enabling, the move of ATC to data link since the air transport community launched the first standardization 25 years ago. It developed the required technology in a cost-efficient way and deployed it through network partnerships with ANSPs.