Intelligent CIO Europe Issue 31 | Page 18

NEWS CGI to support commercial flight trials of Iris air traffic modernisation programme CGI has been awarded a contract by Inmarsat to support the second phase of its Iris air traffic modernisation programme with the European Space Agency (ESA), which will include important flight trials across Europe to assess the ground-breaking service in a real operational environment. Iris is being developed to deliver powerful benefits to European aviation by enabling high bandwidth, cost-effective satellitebased datalink communications across Europe. The programme contributes to the delivery of the ‘Single European Sky’ (SESAR), which focuses on modernising air traffic management and air navigation efficiency. Satellite communications reduce the pressure on ground-based frequencies and Iris is also an important contributor to reducing the environmental impact of aviation and meeting CO 2 emissions goals. As part of the programme’s second phase, around 20 aircraft flying commercially will trial Iris, once normal traffic levels start to resume, allowing it to be assessed in a real operational environment. CGI will continue to support the specialised security gateway developed as part of its first phase contract and further enhance routing between existing radio communications and Iris technology, operating on Inmarsat’s satcom network. Also in this phase, CGI will design the full operational capability, which includes developing the Iris system to support Remotely Piloted Aircraft Systems or drones. CGI will also support the design and system safety functions. Klarna says ‘Hello’ to Belgium with unique payment proposition Klarna, a leading global payments provider and shopping service, has officially launched in Belgium by introducing ‘Pay in 21 days’. Shoppers will be able to buy online and pay once they’ve received the goods. Klarna teams up with merchants, including H&M, A.S. Adventure and Omoda as its first step in the Belgian market. With the launch of ‘Pay in 21 days’, Belgian shoppers can now purchase their goods from their favourite online stores and try them before footing the bill. The payment solution comes at no interest or fee when users pay on time. Along with the new offer, Klarna is also introducing the Klarna app which allows users to keep track of their payments, pay off existing payments, as well as find inspiration. Klarna’s shopping solutions aim to elevate the shopping experience and help consumers who are looking for flexible, simple and safe ways to pay for their goods online. Belgian shoppers will be able to use the service at a variety of online merchants, including H&M, A.S. Adventure and Omoda and many more. “Retail is changing at a rapid pace due to rising expectations from Belgian consumers. More than ever, consumers demand transparent and efficient shopping services that match their daily needs,” said Sebastian Siemiatkowski, CEO and Co-founder of Klarna. 18 INTELLIGENTCIO www.intelligentcio.com