7 May 2014

Airbus Defence and Space has launched its new Global Field-Service Alliance (GFSA). The alliance is designed to ensure fast, professional and cost-effective VSAT (Very Small Aperture Terminal) installation and service support for maritime VSAT satellite service providers. The objective of the GFSA is to bring together expertise of maritime field installation and equipment to enable 24/7 installations and maintenance in major ports around the world, ensuring new levels of service response and quality for ship owners.

Upon launch of the GFSA, three service partners have already been fully certified as members. Pro Nautas Marine Electronics in Germany, Livewire Connections in the UK and SRH Marine in Greece, have met stringent requirements covering areas such as: antenna installation, training and certification, logistics, warehouse and spare parts capabilities, guaranteed response times and local, regional and global operating areas.

The Global Field Service Alliance offers Airbus Defence and Space’s global partner network more control and greater rewards when offering VSAT services to end users. GFSA certified partners will provide the complete range of installation and technical service to ensure uninterrupted operation of Airbus Defence and Space’s VSAT services. This includes installation, demobilisation, repair, upgrade, replacement and maintenance of VSAT equipment.

The number of certified companies and engineers operating under the GFSA is set to expand in the coming months. Ultimately, the alliance will consist of a highly qualified network of VSAT Service partners, including both Independent Field Service Partners and own Airbus Defence and Space’s Field Service engineers, ensuring complete global coverage for fast response, high quality customer support.
 
“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 Defence and Space. “We are committed to expanding the GFSA in order to build a substantial resource that is capable of performing installations and maintenance to the highest standards anywhere in the world.”