Belarus’ Belavia Becomes First Foreign Airline to Adopt Russia’s Domestic Air-to-Ground Communication System

Belarus’ national airline Belavia has become the first foreign carrier to use Russia’s domestically developed digital aviation air-to-ground communications service (ACARS), created by Infocom-Avia, part of Azimuth under the Rostec State Corporation.

The system was designed to replace Western ACARS services that became inaccessible following international sanctions. Developed by Infocom-Avia and Azimuth engineers, the Russian ACARS now serves as the main platform for real-time aircraft telemetry and communication, linking aircraft with control centers during flight.

“Using a digital communications service significantly improves fleet efficiency and flight safety. Thanks to Rostec State Corporation’s Azimuth, Russia’s largest airlines have already connected to the service,” said Viktor Solomentsev, CEO of Infocom-Avia.

Belavia has already begun active use of the system. According to Oleg Saltovsky, commander of the airline’s aviation detachment, “The system provides real-time information about the condition of the aircraft and its components in flight. The ability to exchange weather data, inform crews of route restrictions, and transmit important information improves flight efficiency and situational awareness.”

The ACARS network, supported by ground stations along major north-south and west-east flight routes, includes a dedicated data processing center in Russia. The platform allows airlines to exchange flight data, weather updates, and operational instructions, even under critical conditions.

Russia’s major airlines, including Aeroflot and S7, have already adopted the system. Around two-thirds of the country’s aircraft fleet reportedly exchanged data through the network last year. Plans are underway to expand service coverage and attract more international operators.