[SatNews] The VHF coverage allows aircraft to communicate on SITA VHF using...

Satcom Direct, provider of satellite voice, fax, datalink and Internet communications solutions, announces its International office based at TAG Farnborough Airport (IATA: FAB, ICAO: EGLF) now offers VHF coverage for aircraft datalink communications.

The new SITA VHF ground station equipment is hosted at Satcom Direct’s avionics lab located in Hangar 2 at the airport, providing both the airfield and surrounding area with VHF communications coverage. The installation was facilitated through a combined effort by Satcom Direct, TAG Farnborough Airport and SITA.

The VHF coverage allows aircraft to communicate on SITA VHF using Satcom Direct’s FlightDeck Freedom® (FDF) cockpit datalink service. Satcom Direct’s FDF services make use of the SITA VHF network and allow aircraft pilots to send and receive cockpit data messages.

“Installation of the VHF antenna and ground station is another way for us to continue to support our international customers, especially aircraft that are based at TAG Farnborough Airport,” said Jim Jensen, founder and owner of Satcom Direct. “Having both a VHF and a satellite component allows Satcom Direct to offer our customers a truly global network supporting all aircraft types equipped with a wide variety of avionics.”

Aircraft that have cockpit datalink communications capability and a datalink agreement that allows VHF network roaming are able to use the new SITA VHF ground station.

“Satcom Direct is working to help grow the SITA network in one of Great Britain's and Europe's busiest business aviation airports,” said Brandon O’Reilly, CEO of TAG Farnborough Airport. “We are very appreciative of their efforts as it allows our airport to provide increasing services to our customers and their aircraft.”