The initiative may be launched within about one year in both Airbus and Boeing aircrafts, and is an extension of services already offered through a partnership with OnAir. For the past nine months, TAM’s passengers have been able to make phone calls, send and receive text messages and e-mails and access the Internet on some domestic routes.
OnAir connectivity services is based on Inmarsat technology SwiftBroadband (SBB), and will be implemented in 80 aircraft in the coming years, including Boeing 777-300ER and Airbus A330. By early 2012, all 31 domestic flights aircraft should be equipped with on-board connectivity, and TAM’s international fleet will be equipped in the second half of 2012.
According to the company, all approvals from regulatory agencies were obtained and telecommunications roaming agreements are in place for service on domestic flights. TAM has received airworthiness certification from ANAC (National Civil Aviation Agency) for aircraft operating in Brazil and submitted a similar request for the aircraft on international routes before installing the system and enable connectivity services from OnAir. The equipment is certified by the European Aviation Safety Agency (EASA) since 2009 and is used commercially in the major airlines in the world.
