S7 Airlines switches to Russian ACARS

:: Wikipedia

Privately-owned S7 Airlines is the first in Russia to use locally-developed Аircraft Сommunications Аddressing and Reporting System (ACARS). The service operator, Infocom-Avia announced the contract with the carrier earlier in October.

Development of the local ACARS was launched since international providers of the service – SITA and ARINC terminated their contracts with Russian airlines due to sanctions imposed by the US and Europe in March 2022.

Both S7 Airlines and the flag carrier Aeroflot started to test the locally-provided service in 2023.

“For two years we tested the system and improved its performance. Now we’re ready to start its commercial operations”, Infocom Avia said.

The equipment for the system’s operation was designed by Azimuth. Joining forces with Infocom Avia, it created a network of ground stations on the main routes running from north to south and from west to east, and a data processing center was set up in Russia.

At present 10 ground stations are fully functional and they cover the main destinations served by S7 Airlines, including Novosibirsk, Vladivostok, Sochi, Saint Petersburg and Yekaterinburg. Until 2026 the network is expected to grow to 55 stations.

Infocom Avia plans to connect all Russian airlines to the service, and is reviewing several requests from foreign airlines to join the domestic ACARS when overflying the Russian territory.