Avionica Satcom Certified for B-757s and B-767s

The FAA has granted STCs (supplemental type certificates) to Avionics Support Group (ASG) to install Avionica's Iridium-based voice and data satcom system on B-757s and 767s.

Avianca was Avionica's satLINK launch customer and Continental will soon use the system on its B-757s. The satcom is already flying on B-737s and Boeing's 787 test fleet will also use the system.

Stylian Cocalides, an Avionica vice president, says, "We are installing integrated satellite communications systems on aircraft never designed with satcom in mind," attributing the development to changing economics which have made aircraft such as the B-757 viable for transoceanic operations.

It's also because of new standards. In early January, ICAO approved SARPs (standards and recommended practices) that permit Iridium Satellite to provide AM(R)S (aeronautical mobile route services) for commercial aircraft on transoceanic flights.  Avionica's satLINK has also been AQP (avionics qualification policy)-qualified by ARINC and VAQ (validation, assessment and qualification)- qualified by SITA for data messaging.  02-13-2008.

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