Avantel hands over mobile satellite service systems to Boeing

Hyderabad-based Avantel Limited on Monday handed over its mobile satellite service (MSS) systems to US aircraft maker, Boeing, for its P-8I long-range maritime reconnaissance aircraft. The company handed over 12 units of MSS-based communication systems for Boeing, which will use them in its P-8I aircraft to be supplied to the Indian Navy.

Union minister for state for defence MM Pallam Raju was the chief guest at the handing-over ceremony of the MSS systems and the airworthiness certificate by the Centre for Military Airworthiness and Certification (Cemilac).

Boeing has entered into a deal worth $2 billion with the Indian navy for supply of P-8I long-range reconnaissance aircraft. After evaluating the air-worthiness of the product, the aircraft maker ordered for the 12 units at a cost of $1.8 million.

Stating that the company spent 15 per cent of its sales and close to 60 per cent of its net profit on R&D every year, Avantel MD A Vidyasagar said the industry needed to have systems with an open architecture and that the focus should be on emerging technologies.