Turkish Airlines is the first A330 operator to take delivery of its aircraft with the Cobham HGA-7001 high gain antenna subsystem installed, enabling Inmarsat SwiftBroadband (SBB) throughout the aircraft. The airline has ordered eight A330s to be delivered during the next 18 months, all of which will be equipped with the HGA-7001.

Inmarsat SwiftBroadband provides broadband connectivity into the aircraft via satellite to enable both cabin and cockpit connectivity. This capability will allow passengers to stay connected via internet during flight, as well as providing enhanced cockpit communications and data services via satellite.

“We selected the Cobham antenna due to its superior technical performance as well as commercial benefits due to reduced weight and drag. This system delivers us vital communications capability for our long range fleet,” said Serdar Hoşgel, Turkish Airlines’ senior vice president, technical.

Cobham SATCOM equipment has been certified for forward fit new production aircraft on Airbus and Boeing platforms: 737, 747, 777, A320 family, and A330/A340. A400M and A380 certification is expected to be completed later this year. The company has also been selected for future installation aboard the 787 and A350. To date, 23 airlines have selected the Cobham SATCOM technology and will be taking delivery of their new aircraft over the next 24 months. The company’s sales of this technology is in the region of 300 antenna sub-systems on A330, 777, A320, 737 and A400M platforms.

“We have worked hard to achieve Airbus and Boeing certification on all new production platforms,” stated Fred Cahill, vice president of Cobham Antenna Systems. “We are delighted that Cobham technology is a key enabler to support airlines both for cockpit communications and cabin connectivity uses.”