Outfitting a maritime vessel. Photo: Pro Nautas Marine Electronics

[Via Satellite 05-09-2014] Airbus Defence and Space introduced its new Global Field-Service Alliance (GFSA), a global partnership bringing together experts in the maritime sector to support 24/7 Airbus Very Small Aperture Terminal (VSAT) installations and maintenance in major global ports.

Three service providers are certified members of the GFSA: Pro Nautas Marine Electronics in Germany, Livewire Connections in the United Kingdom and SRH Marine in Greece. These companies had to fulfill strict requirements in antenna installation, training and certification, logistics, warehouse and square parts capabilities, guaranteed response times and local, regional and global operating areas.

The GFSA offers Airbus’ global partner network greater responsibility and increased incentives for offering the company’s VSAT services to end users. Airbus is hoping to see the number of companies involved certified in the alliance increase in the next few months. “Alongside our new AuroraGlobal network, this initiative will help to improve customer support of current Ku-band and future Ka-band based services via our service provider partners, whilst strengthening end-user confidence and satisfaction in the satellite services they choose,” said Tore Morten Olsen, head of maritime satellite communications activities at Airbus.