OnAir, a leading provider of onboard connectivity solutions, will offer SwiftBroadband satellite technology to Solar Impulse HB-SIA, the first solar aircraft that can fly day and night without fuel or pollution.

A joint venture between SITA, the leading IT solutions provider to air transport world, and Airbus, the OnAir has been named the 'SwiftBroadband Satellite Connectivity Specialized Partner' of the Solar Impulse project.

Under the partnership deal, OnAir will supply of satellite broadband connectivity for the ground-breaking project which completed a 26-hour non-stop flight in July this year and is working up to become the first solar powered aircraft to circle the earth.

It will also supply the Solar Impulse HB-SIA aircraft with SwiftBroadband satellite technology and a specially designed ground infrastructure to assure global air-to-ground communications for the aircraft whenever and wherever it flies, said a top official.

'We are delighted to partner with Solar Impulse team and take our place at the forefront of satellite technologies and inflight connectivity,' said Ian Dawkins, CEO of OnAir.

'OnAir delivers the only satellite technology that will provide the global cover so necessary for the Solar Impulse project,' he noted.

In coming months, OnAir will work with Swisscom to set up the ground infrastructure, activate SwiftBroadband connectivity, conduct a thorough test programme and fit the Solar Impulse with Satcom equipment ready to begin a new series of tests flights.

In August this year, CNBC Business magazine recognised OnAir as one of Europe's most creative companies for its pioneering of inflight mobile services.

OnAir recently won the prestigious 'Technology Implementation of the Year Award' at the fourth annual Aviation Business Awards ceremony in Abu Dhabi, said Dawkins.

'The award recognizes innovation, improved services for passengers and outstanding implementation across the region,' he added.-TradeArabia News Service