Back in June we learned that the FAA is looking to upgrade their air traffic control system, and XM Satellite Radio has teamed up with Raytheon to bid on the deal. The Raytheon/XM bid is unique because it utilizes the XMWX weather service to provide real-time weather data as a added benefit for pilots.

The FAA estimates it will spend $15 billion to $22 billion by 2025 on the satellite technology alone, and another $14 billion to $20 billion in spending on new avionics, cockpit electronics linked to the satellite technology.

And the decision could come as early as next week.

If Raytheon/XM win the bid, it would be quite the coup considering that both Lockheed Martin (the nation's largest defense contractor) and ITT Corp are also bidding for the massive 30-year contract. But it may also open up the door for satellite radio to be a "standard feature" in commercial airlines, though XM hasn't explicitly said this.

XM is already providing satellite radio entertainment to jetBlue and AirTran, as well as to United Airlines (including United's amazing first-class "suites"). But if the FAA contract goes to Raytheon, theoretically it would be possible to receive XM in all airlines.

"In many cases, the pilots -- or their passengers -- could be listening to XM radio while they're using our weather systems," said Roderick MacKenzie, XM's vice president of advanced applications. "A single receiver can let the pilot keep tracking the weather and keep the passengers entertained."

Sounds like a winner to me.

[Boston.com]
Thanks skipp!

XM has partnered with the Washington National Opera (WNO) to feature a new series aptly titled "Washington National Opera on XM" starting next week.

"Washington National Opera on XM" will debut on Tuesday, August 28th, with WNO's production of Norma, Bellini's bel canto drama about a Druid high priestess betrayed by her lover during the era of Roman occupation, which features two of opera’s most memorable tunes "Mira, O Norma" and "Casta Diva." Hasmik Papian sings the title role with Irina Mishura as Adalgisa and Richard Margison as Pollione.

Additional operas from WNO's recent seasons will premiere on XM's inaugural run of the program, including La Cenerentola, Die Walküre, A Streetcar Named Desire, Manon Lescaut, and La traviata.

"Washington National Opera on XM" will air Tuesdays at 12-noon ET on XM's opera/vocals channel VOX (ch 112), with encore broadcasts Fridays at 6pm ET and Saturdays at 12-midnight ET.

View a schedule of operas to air through early-October after the jump...

Sirius Satellite Radio and Sonos, Inc have partnered up to provide Sirius Internet Radio (SIR) to the Sonos Digital Music System.

This marks the first time that subscribers can listen to Sirius without the need of satellite radio hardware or a computer in the home.

The Sonos connects directly to Sirius Internet Radio, allowing you to listen to over 80 different channels (yes, including Howard Stern) in up to 32 rooms around the house. Sonos customers automatically receive a 30-day free trial of SIR, and the Sirius capabilities are provided through the v2.3 update of the Sonos System Software.

Check out the online demo here, or follow the jump for lots of additional photos...

Sirius Satellite Radio and the Celtic Football Club have partnered up to make Sirius the exclusive satellite radio provider of Celtic Football Club.

Starting Sunday, August 5th, Sirius will broadcast every Celtic Premier League game live, including the celebrated matches against their historic rivals, the Rangers. The start date coincides with the with Celtic vs Kilmarnock match to air at 9am ET.

All games, which will feature the official Celtic FC broadcast, will air on Sirius channel 126. Other non-Premier League Celtic matches might also get added to the schedule.

Founded in 1888, Celtic (the reigning champions of the Scottish Premier League) is one of the most dominant football clubs in the history of the sport, winning the Scottish League title a remarkable 41 times.

Last May, Celtic won the Scottish Premier League title for the second consecutive year and the fifth time in the last seven seasons. The team then went on to play their way into the final 16 of the UEFA Champions League, the world’s premier club competition, with a 1-0 victory over Manchester United before being defeated by the eventual champions, AC Milan.

Sirius also broadcasts UEFA Champions League matches and, as a partner of the English Premier League, airs multiple live Premiership soccer matches each week. Sirius is also the exclusive satellite radio broadcaster of Chelsea Football Club and airs every Chelsea Premier League game live. 

A schedule of Celtic matches on Sirius can be found online here.