Avionica has announced the integration of its avCM Communications Module with GigSky's Internet of Things (IoT) eSIM solution. avCM has been deployed as the global communications unit for Avionica's Quick Access Recorders (QARs) and aviONS (Onboard Network Server) to move data on and off the aircraft. The eSIM solution will be available to Avionica's airline and business jet customers from December.

eSIM does not use a SIM card, so Avionica customers adopting eSIM will eliminate required maintenance to replace SIM cards within its equipment. The eSIM is universally configurable, ensuring that the aircraft will always be connected at competitive rates anywhere in the world. Using the GigSky toolset, Avionica actively monitors and manages connectivity to ensure that data is always delivered when and where required.

“Avionica gains an immediate and important market advantage by equipping avCM with eSIM,” explains vice president of business development Sean Reilly. “Partnering with GigSky allows us to embed eSIM chip technology into the current LTE upgrade of the avCM. The eSIM-enabled avCM provides seamless access to current and future wireless communications networks globally and eliminates the removable plastic SIM card.”

GigSky for IoT offers a compliant eSIM solution with integrated connectivity and subscription management along with bootstrap and operational profiles with worldwide coverage for machine-to-machine (M2M)/IoT manufacturers. GigSky continuously updates supported networks to optimise the coverage, quality and cost of network access. This enables Avionica to offer managed cellular connectivity anywhere and at any time to meet the business needs of customers today and into the future.

With Avionica's next-generation avCM LTE Communications Module, customers get automated wireless QAR data offload, as well as the ability to upload aircraft data using the Avionica's cloud-based service, avSYNC. The avCM powering aviONS communications hosts a variety of applications and data to support on-ground internet access for in-flight entertainment (IFE) systems, EFB updates, and operational datalinks over a LTE network.

eSIM provides improved serviceability with simpler customer support allowing for remote manageability that avoids expensive aircraft maintenance visits and service interventions. For Avionica's customers, the adoption of eSIM means the elimination of required maintenance to replace plastic SIM cards within its equipment.

“With the adoption of eSIM, Avionica moves the industry forward in the delivery of ground-based communications within the industry. Given the standardisation of eSIM by the global standards body, the Global System for Mobile Communications (GSMA), and the unqualified success of eSIM-enabled M2M communications in automobiles over the past several years, this will be how wireless communications solutions will be delivered in the aviation industry going forward,” adds Reilly.

Avionica is a GE Aviation company that has been headquartered in Miami, Florida for more than 25 years. The company designs and manufactures innovative, safety-qualified, state-of-the-art data collection and data transmission products for aircraft. More than 9,000 of its Quick Access Recorders (QAR) have been delivered around the world, with Supplemental Type Certification (STC) earned on more than 300 models, including air transport, business and general aviation aircraft.

Founded in 2010, GigSky is a provider of global cellular connectivity and eSIM solutions for consumers, businesses and manufacturers. Through its multi-meshed carrier network, GigSky provides affordable and reliable coverage in over 200 countries and territories. Products include enterprise mobile data management solutions, IoT solutions and consumer roaming solutions like the GigSky global SIM, GigSky for iPhone XS, XS Max and iPhone XR, GigSky for iPad, GigSky for Microsoft 'Connected' PCs and GigSky for M2M Manufacturers.