Back to Air Transport IT Review - Issue 1, April 2009

More about PMR ...

What is PMR?

Professional Mobile Radio (PMR) provides an efficient, secure, reliable, scalable, and standard-based service for wireless communication in and around airports. It provides the most advanced voice and data services for professional users across the air transport industry.

By coupling with IP-based system level interfaces using TETRA standards, PMR provides a multitude of voice and data services. It is highly scalable and provides extensive flexibility via Java support for applications, which can be pushed to all terminal devices within seconds, facilitating data entry and presentation.

It provides unprecedented accessibility while ensuring the highest possible levels of security via user authentication and optional encryption.

What is TETRA?

Terrestrial Trunked Radio (TETRA) was developed by the European Telecommunications Standards Institute as a digital, trunked mobile radio standard to meet the needs of organizations using PMR.

Specifications for all air and network interfaces, as well as services and facilities, are provided to enable third-party development, manufacture, and implementation of fully interoperable network and radio terminal products.

Because the standard is vendor-agnostic, it extends even across infrastructures and devices from different providers.

SITA partners with Rohill for PMR solution

In a move that strengthens its Professional Mobile Radio (PMR) offering to the air transport industry, SITA has struck a partnership with Netherlands-based company Rohill, a dedicated developer of professional mobile communication systems for mission-critical applications. Together, the companies will provide tailored solutions to the air transport industry's US$ 220 million PMR market.

The partnership will ensure the introduction of products designed specifically to air transport needs - based on an open, scalable and flexible platform.

Bahrain turns key on mobile

Bahrain International Airport has introduced SITA's Professional Mobile Radio service through a five-year US$ 3.2 million agreement.

The fully managed turnkey solution, which provides voice and data communication through a dedicated wireless network, is now in operation for 640 users working for all airlines and ground handlers on the airport campus. The number of users is expected to grow to over 800 as the airport expands.

Using the TETRA-based service, the integrity of radio coverage is constantly checked by a radio-link test system, while standard encryption mechanisms within the system protects against eavesdropping.

Airport Communication Team

Deploying effective airport communications is a complex and demanding task. In response, SITA is making available - locally - experts in airport IT and communications around the globe through a dedicated Airport Communication Team (ACT). The team will:

Help airports maximize opportunities for application- and outsourcing-related communication services, building on the presence and knowledge of SITA through services such as CUTE and AirportConnect
Ensure network fluency in all airport applications and individual solutions to maximize their attractiveness and added-value
Define integrated package solutions and value propositions for the 'airport ecosystem'
Package application/communication solutions, both on the WAN and campus and through standalone communication opportunities at airport