Press Release: New SITA satellite connectivity keeps airports online

In an industry where every second of downtime can disrupt passengers and delay operations, a new satellite service is helping airports and airlines stay connected, no matter what. With the launch of SITA Managed Satellites, airports around the world can now maintain vital communication at all times, even during blackouts, natural disasters, or in the... The post Press Release: New SITA satellite connectivity keeps airports online appeared first on Runway Girl.

May 27, 2025 - 13:30

Press Release: New SITA satellite connectivity keeps airports online

In an industry where every second of downtime can disrupt passengers and delay operations, a new satellite service is helping airports and airlines stay connected, no matter what. With the launch of SITA Managed Satellites, airports around the world can now maintain vital communication at all times, even during blackouts, natural disasters, or in the most remote or infrastructure-limited locations.

The fully managed service is now available in over 130 countries, offering primary, secondary, and emergency connectivity options tailored specifically for the air transport industry. It takes advantage of low earth orbit (LEO) satellites to deliver secure, high-bandwidth, low-latency communications that keep airport systems running continuously. This is also the case when other networks are struggling or completely offline.

SITA Managed Satellites doesn’t only support regular networks that are in high demand. Recent global events have shown just how vulnerable traditional fiber and terrestrial networks can be. From earthquakes to extreme weather and fiber cuts, many airports, large and small, have experienced partial or complete outages. Even in major hubs, network congestion during peak periods can strain bandwidth and disrupt key services. SITA’s new satellite solution addresses these risks directly, giving airport and airline teams a way to keep operations running when it matters most.

SITA Managed Satellites provides a fast, cost-effective way to deploy connectivity wherever it’s needed, including off-airport locations, aircraft maintenance hangars, cargo hubs, and even remote sites without existing digital infrastructure. It also unlocks temporary service for new route openings, seasonal operations, or rapid emergency deployments. This makes sure that ground crews and systems are never out of touch.

“The quality and availability of the latest satellite technology means that it’s becoming a vital component within high availability networks. Airports, in particular, need new ways to ensure they can maintain critical operations in whatever circumstances they face – even when a adverse incidents strike,” said Martin Smillie, Senior Vice President, Communications and Data Exchange at SITA.

“Delivering high-speed internet connectivity via established satellite providers, SITA Managed Satellites allows customers to optimize operational performance. SITA Managed Satellites is an innovative solution to keep all parts of the aviation industry connected to vital platforms – even in the most challenging of times – and can be adapted for other transport sectors and markets also. It delivers a blend of availability and cost-effectiveness to optimize investments in any cloud, on-premises or hybrid computing environment.”

SITA’s global team provides 24/7 monitoring, installation, maintenance, and support. The solution also integrates with other SITA connectivity services, offering customers a flexible, bundled approach to network resilience.

Key features include:

A secure, aviation-specific satellite service that meets industry regulations
Full lifecycle management and support in over 130 countries
Proactive infrastructure monitoring to resolve issues before they impact operations
Optional bundling with other SITA airport connectivity solutions
Expert on-site support for surveys, setup, ongoing maintenance, and hardware replacement

With aviation more reliant than ever on uninterrupted digital operations, SITA Managed Satellites gives customers the confidence and tools they need to keep critical systems live, even in the most unpredictable conditions.

About SITA

SITA is the air transport industry’s IT provider, delivering solutions for airlines, airports, aircraft and governments. Its technology powers more seamless, safe, secure and sustainable air travel.

With around 2,500 customers, SITA’s solutions drive operational efficiencies at more than 1,000 airports while delivering the promise of the connected aircraft to customers of over 18,000 aircraft globally. SITA also provides technology solutions that help more than 70 governments strike the balance of secure borders and seamless travel. Its communications network connects every corner of the globe, and SITA bridges 45% of the air transport community’s data exchange.

In 2023, the Science Based Targets initiative (SBTi) approved SITA’s near-term and long-term emission reduction targets. These science-based targets are pivotal in guiding the company’s climate actions to curtail greenhouse gas emissions effectively. SITA is also developing solutions to help the aviation industry meet its carbon reduction objectives, including reduced fuel burn and greater operational efficiencies.

In 2024, SITA acquired Materna IPS, leader in passenger handling, to create the world’s most powerful passenger portfolio for airports and digital travel. SITA then acquired ASISTIM, to offer a fully-fledged airline flight Operations Control Center managed service. The company also launched SmartSea to give the maritime industry access to the same advanced technology that is transforming air travel. The launch comes as part of SITA’s growth into cruise and rail, as well Urban Air Mobility, such as Vertiports.

SITA is 100% owned by the industry and driven by its needs. It is one of the most internationally diverse companies, providing services in over 200 countries and territories.

Go to https://www.sita.aero for more information.

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