Nelco partners with Panasonic Avionics to offer IFC services

Nelco, a Tata enterprise has entered into a partnership with Panasonic Avionics Corporation for offering aero In-Flight Communication (IFC) services in India. Nelco is the first Indian company to provide this service, marking the beginning of a new era of Wi-Fi on aircrafts in Indian skies.

With the launch of these services, it will be possible for international aircrafts flying over India as well as domestic airlines to offer broadband internet services to its passengers on board. The aero IFC services will enable seamless at-home and in-office experience in the skies for airline passengers.

Further, it gives an opportunity for the airlines to differentiate with others, enhance passenger experience, drive passenger loyalty, open up additional onboard revenue streams and optimise flight operations. Vistara has already signed up for aero IFC services and is likely to be the first domestic airline company to launch these services very soon.

In December 2018, the Government of India (GoI) announced the licenses for In-Flight and Maritime Communications (IFMC) that allows broadband internet services while flying over the Indian skies and sailing in Indian waters, both for international and Indian aircrafts and vessels. The IFMC license is a key initiative of the Telecom Ministry, a move to liberalise satellite communication services in India. Nelco obtained the IFMC licence and is now, the first Indian company to enable communication services for the maritime and airlines sectors in India.

Currently, Nelco is the only company in India that has successfully operationalised the entire scope of the IFMC license comprising of both, the aero In-Flight Communication and Maritime Communication services. Nelco plans to establish itself as a leader in the aero IFC services space in India in the near future.

On Wednesday, the stock of Nelco opened at Rs 221.10 on BSE and surged by 4.9 per cent to Rs 229.50 from its previous close of Rs 218.65.