Mobile Satellite Services provider Inmarsat plc posted revenues of $491.1 million in 2005, up from revenues of $480.7 in 2004, driven by growth in providing services to the maritime sector, Inmarsat announced March 9.

Revenues in the maritime sector improved 6 percent in 2005 to $267.1 million due to strong adoption of Fleet services. Growth in data services was partially offset by lower voice revenues, though the rate of decline in voice revenues has been slowed by the ongoing analog-to-digital conversion and successful off-peak promotions, Inmarsat said.

The maritime sector growth offset declines in land sector revenues, which fell 9 percent in 2005 to $121.8 million. Data revenues slipped 7 percent due to reduced activity from government and military users in the Middle East and the impact of reduced pricing for R-BGAN service designed to stimulate demand in certain areas. Demand for voice services also slipped due to competition from handheld operators.

Aeronautical revenues grew 34 percent to $22.7 million, as installations of Swift64 terminals during the first half of 2005 contributed to revenue growth in the second half of the year. Leasing revenues climbed 7 percent to $60.9 million, due to a five-year agreement with the Japanese Civil Aviation Authority, as well as some short-term demand during the second half of 2005 as a result of Hurricane Katrina and the earthquake in Pakistan.

“It was a strong finish to a transformational year,” Andrew Sukawaty, Inmarsat’s Chairman and CEO, said in a statement. “We are pleased with our solid financial performance and significant operational achievements in 2005. With the successful launch of two Inmarsat-4 satellites we have added significant life and new capacity to our network and enabled the introduction of BGAN services (Broadband Global Area Network), a global DSL-like offering. With these steps now behind us we are entering 2006 with confidence and believe strongly in the diverse growth opportunities for our business.”