EAD Aerospace expands SUMS STC portfolio with addition of B777

EAD Aerospace (EASA DOA PART21 FRA21 J&G), an Eclipse company, has just received an EASA Supplemental Type Certificate (STC) covering the installation of its Satcom Universal Mounting System (SUMS) solution on a B777 aircraft.

Working directly with Inmarsat, EAD Aerospace developed the complete solution, produced the engineering package and received the STC within a tight timeframe, allowing the end customer, Qatar Airways, to begin the installations around regular maintenance inputs.

“EAD Aerospace is very proud to have achieved this STC for Inmarsat and their end customer Qatar Airways. This ARINC 791 installation is light in weight with minimal intrusions into the fuselage, making it easy to install and maintain for airlines.  SUMS is a natural fit for such a retro-fit project.” commented Marc Pinault, CEO of EAD Aerospace.   

With the first installations complete, the B777 fleet roll-out continues with the ease of installation of SUMS allowing aircraft to be completed during scheduled maintenance visits without the need for extended ground-time, and with a minimum of man-hours in comparison with typical complex, large antenna installations.

The solution provides Qatar Airways with access to the Inmarsat GX Aviation service providing high-speed in-flight connectivity to the passengers via their wireless devices. Inmarsat GX Aviation utilises Ka-Band frequencies, enabling the highest data rates currently available : “With the first Qatar Airways Boeing 777 retrofit installation already complete and several more underway, we’re looking forward to seeing Qatar Airways’ passengers experience consistent, reliable and high-speed Wi-Fi in the sky when the service goes live later this year” said Leo Mondale, President of Inmarsat Aviation.

This STC adds to the family of Satcom Universal Mounting System (SUMS) STCs which EAD Aerospace has been developing since 2014. After receiving A320, A330 and now B777 series aircraft STCs, EAD Aerospace will soon receive certifications for A340 and B747 airframes.