SITA Launches New, Improved Global Wireless Solution

Fresh off the back of signing a five-year contract extension with Heathrow Airport to support its extensive and evolving network infrastructure, air transport technology provider SITA has unveiled an enhanced version of its mobile communications solution: Mobile Data Access (MDA) 2.0.

With around 2,500 customers, SITA’s offering is used at more than 1,000 airports and aims to deliver the promise of connected aircraft to customers on more than 18,000 aircraft worldwide. The company said its communications network connects every corner of the globe, combining 45% of the air transport community’s data exchange.

The enhanced solution is designed to provide secure, reliable and business-class eSIM and SIM cellular connectivity across 2G, 3G, 4G and 5G technologies, extending global coverage to over 200 countries.

Designed to meet the connectivity needs of airlines, airports, ground handlers, cruise/ship operators and other users with frequent roaming requirements, MDA 2.0 is also designed to support those operating in a single country. During operation, it selects the most appropriate mobile operator for each device in a given country and manages usage by filtering URLs, IP addresses and countries, while also strengthening security.

The upgraded solution is also expected to benefit SITA’s growing customer base in the maritime sector, including cruise, ferry and commercial shipping companies, as well as other transportation segments.

The technology solution connects to over 700 roaming partners worldwide, offering a dedicated web portal that consolidates information from multiple sources, traffic filtering to control costs and dedicated 24/7 support. Customers can choose a country or regional model or a global model. The solution integrates with SITA for Aircraft and SITA Airport solutions, supporting multiple pricing models and use cases.

Potential use cases include pilot and crew tablet access, HHT baggage scanner access to BRS, aircraft maintenance data, software-defined wide area network (SD-WAN) backup, fast access to new flight routes, and access to passenger processing resources on and off the airport (pay-per-use, packages, zones), and an embedded applet that switches between private and public 5G networks.

The MDA 2.0 solution has already been successfully implemented to replace a legacy solution from a ground handling provider at a major APAC airport. Previously, limited Wi-Fi on the apron restricted global baggage tracking and operations across airport locations. The new solution was implemented within weeks, delivering improved performance and robust connectivity, significantly reducing the risk of disruption to ground handling. SITA added that the solution could be easily adopted across airports and other transport sectors.

SITA believes that with MDA 2.0 it continues to set the standard for global connectivity solutions, delivering operational efficiency and reliability for its diverse ATI and maritime customers.

“Local cellular networks often do not offer the comprehensive coverage or service level agreements that are essential for operational applications used in the aviation and transportation sectors,” said Martin Smillie, Senior Vice President, Communications and Data Exchange, SITA.

“Our customers require reliable, high-quality service and cost control both on-site and off-site to maintain operational efficiency. SITA MDA 2.0 offers a seamless, secure and comprehensive solution for global, cost-effective connectivity.”