Charles Alcock is managing editor of the AIN Media Group, having rejoined the company in 2019. He has been an aviation journalist since 1986, and previously worked for AIN from 1990 to 2017, most recently as editor-in-chief. His main focus is on covering new aviation technology and business models, as well as international news.
Having been raised in the London area, Alcock studied at the University of Manchester in the UK and earned an honors degree in Politics and Modern History. He speaks English and French, and some German.

Managing Editor

Charles Alcock

Guardian Mobility and Flightcell International are introducing a new Iridium Certus 100 communications system that supports both satellite and cellular mid-band data and voice services for rotorcraft and light fixed-wing aircraft. The new package combines Flightcell’s DZMx cellular and satellite voice, data and tracking system with the new Guardian Mobility G6 Iridium Certus 100 satellite terminal, adding 88 kbps bi-directional satellite data connectivity.
According to Guardian Mobility, the one-box G6 unit provides an effective size and weight combination for installations on smaller aircraft. “This solution complements Flightcell’s cellular connectivity and will offer new features, capabilities, and cost-effective aviation satellite communications not seen before in this market,” said Flightcell v-p Hamish Neill.
The new Iridium Certus 100 system will be available to customers midyear. According to FlightCell, operators will achieve significant cost savings when while routing data through its DZMx cellular unit and by using the 88 kbps data link of the G6 Certus satellite service when a cellular connection is not available.
Guardian says the G6’s uplink speed suits data transmissions from aircraft, including email, flight following and data monitoring, medical device data, images, and compressed video. Other benefits of the package include the Iridium Messaging Transport service, which optimizes data transport for small to moderate-sized messages, allowing increased data and lower costs compared with the Iridium Short Burst Data service.

News and developments about everything that goes into the cabin of an aircraft, from floor coverings to headliners, with a special emphasis on in-flight entertainment, communications and other electronics for passengers. If it is in the cabin of an aircraft, it’s covered here.

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