How Satellite Service Could Protect JKIA & Other Airports From Disruptions Due To Blackouts

In an industry where even brief disruptions can cascade into widespread operational delays, uninterrupted connectivity is paramount. To meet this critical need, Société Internationale de Télécommunication Aéronautique (SITA) has launched SITA Managed Satellites, a fully managed satellite communication service designed to ensure airports and airlines remain connected in all circumstances.

They include power outages, natural disasters, and remote or infrastructure-limited environments, a service that could prove useful to the Jomo Kenyatta International Airport (JKIA) in Nairobi, Kenya, which has been affected by blackouts in recent memory, causing disruptions to flight operations.

Available in over 130 countries, SITA Managed Satellites delivers primary, secondary, and emergency connectivity tailored specifically for the air transport sector. Leveraging low Earth orbit (LEO) satellites, the service offers secure, high-bandwidth, and low-latency communication to maintain the continuous operation of airport systems, even when conventional networks are compromised or offline.

The solution is a direct response to recent global challenges that have exposed the vulnerabilities of traditional terrestrial and fibre networks. From extreme weather events and earthquakes to physical damage like fibre cuts, airports of all sizes have faced partial or total communication outages. Even major international hubs experience congestion-related issues during peak periods.

A past photo of the Longonot Satellite Station in Kenya. /SPACE IN AFRICA

SITA’s satellite service addresses these challenges head-on, providing a resilient, always-on communication backbone for critical airport and airline functions.

Beyond traditional airport boundaries, SITA Managed Satellites also supports connectivity in off-airport facilities such as aircraft maintenance hangars, cargo hubs, and remote operational sites. The system can be rapidly deployed to enable temporary communications for new route launches, seasonal services, or emergency situations, ensuring that ground crews and systems remain connected at all times.

“The quality and availability of today’s satellite technology make it a vital component of high-availability network strategies,” said Martin Smillie, Senior Vice President, Communications and Data Exchange at SITA.

“Airports need robust, flexible options to maintain operations under any circumstances. SITA Managed Satellites offers secure, high-speed connectivity that enhances operational performance and ensures resilience across all areas of the aviation industry. This solution is also adaptable to other transport sectors, delivering an effective balance of availability and cost-efficiency for hybrid, cloud-based, or on-premises IT environments.”

SITA provides full lifecycle management for the service, including 24/7 monitoring, installation, maintenance, and expert on-site support. The solution integrates seamlessly with other SITA connectivity services, offering a bundled approach to bolster network resilience.

Key Features of SITA Managed Satellites Include:

• Secure, aviation-specific satellite service that adheres to industry regulations

• Full service coverage in over 130 countries

• Proactive infrastructure monitoring and issue resolution

• Optional integration with other SITA airport connectivity solutions

• Expert on-site support for installation, maintenance, and hardware replacement

With the aviation sector increasingly reliant on digital infrastructure, SITA Managed Satellites provides the confidence and capability to maintain mission-critical systems under even the most unpredictable conditions.

About SITA

SITA is the air transport industry's leading IT provider, serving airlines, airports, aircraft operators, and governments. Its technology underpins safer, more efficient, and sustainable air travel across the globe. With approximately 2,500 customers, SITA supports operations at more than 1,000 airports and provides digital connectivity to over 18,000 aircraft. It also helps more than 70 governments manage border security while enabling seamless passenger experiences.

In 2023, the Science Based Targets initiative (SBTi) approved SITA’s emission reduction goals, reinforcing the company’s commitment to sustainability. SITA is also developing technologies to help the industry meet its carbon reduction targets, including solutions aimed at reducing fuel consumption and boosting operational efficiency.

In 2024, SITA expanded its capabilities with key acquisitions, including Materna IPS, enhancing its passenger processing portfolio, and ASISTIM, enabling a comprehensive airline flight operations control centre managed service.

SITA also introduced SmartSea, bringing advanced aviation-grade technology to the maritime sector, and broadened its reach into cruise, rail, and Urban Air Mobility (UAM) markets, including the emerging vertiport infrastructure.

Owned entirely by the air transport industry and guided by its unique needs, SITA operates in more than 200 countries and territories, making it one of the most globally diverse and trusted names in aviation technology.