Satellite communications save airlines USD3bn from 2001 to 2016: Inmarsat and Helios

Inmarsat and Helios reported (07-Mar-2017) satellite communications (satcom) saved airlines more than USD3 billion from 2001 to 2016 through safety and efficiency benefits. Satcom enabled aircraft to reduce distance between each other from 100nm to 30nm, better tailored flight plans, new reroute procedures and better communication with airline operations centres. Helios MD Nick McFarlane said: "This is the first time that the benefits of satellite communication have been quantified and the results are impressive. The technology has already delivered huge benefits to the industry and emerging applications mean the trend is set to continue, in fact it is set to accelerate". [more - original PR]