Data communication system for use on aircraft uses radio and satellite links for communication between passengers and ground stations

摘要

The system provides a new link by which information may be obtained for passengers within aircraft. The data communication system for gathering data (100) includes a data source (104). An information request circuit (102) is connected to the data source in order to request information from the source. A receiver (106) is coupled to the data source and is attuned to receive the data requested of the source. A first communication support links the source and request circuit, and a second support links the source and receiver. The first support may be a direct radio link, whilst the second may be a satellite link.