April 14, 2021
PCCW Global, a leading telecommunications service provider, and Frequentis, a supplier of safety-critical communication and information solutions, have collaborated to deliver aviation-specific Software-as-a-Service (SaaS) technologies over the newly-commissioned Common Aeronautical Virtual Private Network (CRV) that serves International Civil Aviation Organization (ICAO)’s Asia Pacific and the Middle East (APAC and MID) regions.
Since developing the ICAO CRV network for the Asia Pacific and Middle East regions, PCCW Global has aimed at expanding the network by offering value-added services on top of the advanced aeronautical network. These services cover the provision of critical information through the globally interoperable System Wide Information Management (SWIM) infrastructure, interfaces and exchange models. The CRV network itself has been built on top of PCCW Global’s high-speed and robust international IP network, with mission-critical connections running on a diversified infrastructure, supporting multiple aviation-specific connectivity protocols. In a world-first for the aviation industry, PCCW Global and Frequentis have developed the SWIM services on a private and scalable SaaS platform that will also host additional aviation-specific applications such as smartSIS and smartWeather.
By combining PCCW Global’s network infrastructure with Frequentis’ proven knowledge and experience in application development for the aviation industry, Air Navigation Service Providers (ANSPs) will now be able to benefit from SWIM initiatives without the high investment costs and development expenses of traditional systems. The new network-based services will enable ICAO members to exchange data more efficiently over a standard protocol and utilise a secure, advanced and high-speed common infrastructure technology.
Key benefits include:
- A secure and stable platform dedicated to CRV users
- Scalable, flexible managed services
- Infrastructure based on a cost-effective OPEX model
- Support for aviation specific connections and open interfaces
Mr. John Fort, Chief Executive Office of Frequentis California, said, “Frequentis is pleased to collaborate with PCCW Global to provide multi-national SWIM infrastructure and services in the ICAO APAC and MID regions. ANSPs in the regions have been proactive to adopt the SWIM principles and technologies and provide a vital drive in the global migration to SWIM. Traditionally, ANSPs have invested in on-site deployment but with this new private cloud infrastructure they are offered an alternative solution by being able to procure SWIM as a service and move from a CAPEX to OPEX model.”
PCCW Global has launched its IWXXM Translation and Exchange services as the first in a series of modules that will include a variety of aviation-specific services and based on the ICAO standardized exchange models including Flight Information Exchange Model (FIXM) and Aeronautical Information Exchange Model (AIXM). The services are hosted on a high-availability private platform in a fully managed and controlled environment which connects to CRV network infrastructure with the approval of the ICAO and CRV Operation Group (CRV-OG).
Mr. Raymond Luk, Vice President of Global Presales, Strategic Account Management and Technology Engagement, PCCW Global, said, “We are proud to be collaborating with Frequentis to fully utilize the capabilities of the CRV network and jointly develop the first private cloud-based SWIM platform with IWXXM Translation and Exchange Services for the aviation industry. It is evident that the industry needs cost-effective, secure and innovative solutions to enhance operations and services. PCCW Global is ready to meet these demands by providing a growing suite of aviation-specific solutions for ICAO member states.”
