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Data Communications Network Services The data communications network services (DCNS) forms an essential portion of the FAA’s NextGen initiative, which will help to reduce congestion of the airways over the busiest global cities, improve flight safety and increase the efficiency of real-time communications with the replacement of voice with digital data transmissions.

The data communications network services contract is a portion of the 7 year, $150 million that was awarded to the Harris Corporation last month.  The entire contract for data communications integrated services, of which DCNS is a part, was awarded last September to Harris.

ARINC is providing data communications network services under DCNS that will assist the FAA with the integration of its end-to-end data communications system.  ARINC’s services will include the enabling of Communications Service Provider (CSP) network access and the provision of professional services for test, engineering integration and implementation of DCNS into the Data Communications System.

ARINC and the FAA go back a long way, with a working relationship that has been in place for over 50 years.  The industry-leading communications providers pioneered the now standard ACARS messaging system and have been involved in data link technology since as early as 1978.

John Belcher, Chairman  & CEO of ARINC Inc said, “Our DCNS work will tackle some of the most crucial issues in the aviation industry—saving fuel, reducing flight times and increasing air traffic capacity. We are proud to be building on our industry-leading legacy by providing solutions that have met the aviation needs of the past and will help solve the challenges of the future.”

It has recently been announced that Chicago Jet Group (CJG) and Universal Avionics has received the first FANS CPDLC Certification after retrofitting a Dassault Mystere Falcon 50 with the CPDLC system over Iridium.

CJG completed the installation of UniLink UL-801 CMU with VHF VDLM2 receiver, which will provide the flight crew with a global voice and datalink channel for ACARS, CPDLC and FANS1/A+ messaging.

“The certification of this integrated retrofit system in the Falcon 50 entitles international operators to utilize the significant time and cost advantages offered by flying FANS preferred airspace. This solution provides a certified FANS system prior to the first mandate of February 5, 2015,” said Mike Mitera, President of the Chicago Jet Group.

cpdlcThe retrofit CPDLC system is now ready for the approaching mandates for NextGen, Eurocontrol Link 2000+ which will require the CPDLC for European airspace.  With aircraft flying frequently in the North Atlantic Track System (NATS), the retrofit will allow access to the most preferred tracks, saving time and fuel on transatlantic flights.

“Universal Avionics proudly recognizes Chicago Jet Group’s efforts, working diligently to achieve the first FANS/CPDLC retrofit STC,” said Bruce Bunevich, Universal Avionics’ Great Lakes Regional Sales Manager. “We will continue to work together to provide NextGen avionics solutions for additional airframes,” he added.

Advanced Communications Systems Integration Air Canada’s new Global Operations Centre in Brampton, Ontario has received a major communications systems integration completed recently by ARINC.  The state-of-the-art centre will serve as a central control for the every day operations of Air Canada, increasing both operational capabilities and efficiency.

ARINC Managed Services will also provide comprehensive, on-going support for the centre.

The communications systems integration project involved Air Canada’s air-to-ground and ground-to-air communications, system engineering and support services in addition to existing radio maintenance and asset management responsibilities.

“AMS’s system integration and engineering support has been invaluable,” said Catherine Brassard, Senior Director of Operations, Excellence and Continuous Improvement at Air Canada. “We believe the OC will significantly improve Air Canada’s operations and we consider ARINC to be a trusted partner in helping us accomplish this goal.”

ARINC are experts in communications systems integration.  Their work within the industry is legendary.  As there is a shift in the aviation industry to more flexible, web-based communications systems integration, ARINC clearly stand out with their eHub solution.

ARINC eHub offers increased flexibility and cost effective operations with a solution that requires no software downloads or expensive equipment, seamlessly integrating with existing packages, including CUTE systems technology and equipment, accessible from any internet connection and any device.

Mission critical CommunicationsARINC Inc is progressing ‘aggressively’ with the completion of its contract with the Indonesian Government to modernize five of its C-130B aircraft for the Indonesian Airforce, it was announced today.

The project, which began in early 2011 is on schedule and on budget and will help to modernize the transport fleet and upgrade mission critical communications for humanitarian purposes.  There is structural work being carried out in addition to the retrofit of upgraded technology to enhance capabilities.

The work is being carried out by ARINC onsite, which enables the Indonesian Airforce to receive all the benefits of ARINC’s significant skills and knowledge, without having to bear the cost of the transportation of the aircraft to the Aerospace division of ARINC in Oklahoma.

All the parts required have been exported to the modifications facility in Indonesia and work is well underway.  The key milestones have been reached!

ARINC offer innovative solutions to mission critical communications with superior satellite services over the Inmarsat network.  They have been delivering mission critical communications for over 80 years and are well-placed in the industry, having an unparalleled reputation for excellence.

“ARINC Aerospace is uniquely qualified to perform this type of work,” noted Michael Young, Vice President of ARINC Aerospace. “We have far-reaching experience on multiple platforms and a broad range of capabilities. We are pleased that the project is going so well and that we are growing closer to the goal of enhancing the capabilities of the Indonesian Air Force.”

passenger communicationsIt was recently found, according to a new market research report by commercial aviation analyst, Adeline Fernandez that the passenger communications and in-flight entertainment sector market could reach $3 billion by 2017, compared to $2 billion in 2012.

The ever increasing demand for improved in-flight entertainment and the growing need for fast and cost-efficient passenger communications is fuelled by the huge wireless industry.  Most passengers now want to use their own devices and Smartphones on board and do not want to be subject to the traditional restrictions.

As technology is constantly evolving, more advanced use of devices is expected and greater bandwidth is required.  WiFi systems for passenger communications and in-flight entertainment are set to take over in commercial aviation from retrofit systems by manufacturing companies.

Commercial and Business aviation passengers now want to use their phones, devices and laptops as efficiently in the air, at 40,000ft as they do on the ground.  This will fuel the installation of wireless connectivity on board aircraft as airlines vie for passengers.

ARINC have announced that Korean Air has chosen to renew GLOBALink and AviNet contracts and will be the airlines primary satellite communications providers.

ARINC has worked with Korean Air since 1987 and will continue to provide services that ‘demonstrate consistent commitment to reliability and innovative excellence.’  GLOBALink’s voice and data structure is the most reliable in the world, offering truly global coverage with uninterrupted communications over a seamless network.  AviNet Airport offers streamlined passenger processing and a cost effective solution across the vMUSE platform.

Mr S.M. Lee, Chief Information Officer and Senior Vice President of IT for Korean Air says, “As our needs continue to grow, we believe ARINC will continue to meet our requirements as it understands our business.”

Korean Air will continue to receive AviNet Airport for operations, GLOBALink/VHF & HF, Type A & Type B Messaging, satellite and voice communications. Being the airlines primary SATCOM services provider will enable ARINC to resolve any arising issues faster and will be able to manage communications more effectively with even greater efficiency.

“Every day, ARINC helps more than 14,000 commercial aircraft for over 300 airlines execute over 100,000 take offs and landings with mission-critical network and communication capabilities,” said Mr. K.B. Cho, Director, ARINC Korea. “ARINC remains committed to meeting the evolving needs of airlines like Korean Air with our portfolio of capabilities and applications. We evolve as our customers evolve, and airlines can certainly depend on us to maximize performance, safety and operational excellence.”

AviNet Airport handles passenger processing solutions and airport operations management over a high-performance network enabling cost-sharing and wide-area networking.

It has been announced that Air Canada Rouge, North America’s newest leisure group has selected ARINC’s GLOBALink for their worldwide ground-air and flight deck communications requirements.

Air Canada Rouge will use GLOBALink, VHF, HF and Iridium data link as their primary means of data communications in addition to GLOBALink voice services providing continuous voice communications throughout the flight enroute.

Air Canda Rouge’s Vice President of Operations, Al Read, said, “Air Canada Rouge’s success depends upon the team work of our employees and the support of trusted partners like ARINC.”

ARINC’s reliability and support capabilities continues to keep them at the top of the pile in the aviation industry.  Their cost effective and innovative flight deck communications solutions and flight support, in addition to passenger communications packages make them a comprehensive, industry-leading provider.

“GLOBALink’s voice and data infrastructure is the most reliable in the world,” said Ron Hawkins, Staff Vice President, Commercial Aviation Solutions, at ARINC. “We have been helping Air Canada with its air/ground communications for more than 20 years and we were excited to be selected by Air Canada rouge to help them for many years to come.”

hfdl ARINC have been right up there in the aviation news these past few weeks and continue to push forward in the industry.  It has been announced today that South African Airlines has renewed its relationship with ARINC in signing a new 5 year contract for GLOBALink ACARS Services and will use ARINC’s High-Frequency Data Link (HFDL) for seamless global coverage.

The new data link agreement is just part of a long-standing business relationship between South African Airlines and ARINC.  The new contract will make ARINC the exclusive providers of all their communications needs.

ARINC’s HFDL Service, combined with HF voice then aircraft have high levels of reliability for air-ground communications during long-range flights.

ARINC’s GLOBALink ACARS data link provides airlines with reliability, using their industry-leading superior services and technical support systems.

South African Airlines will use ARINC for all VHF, HF and satellite ACARS traffic.  ARINC’s HFDL service will provide cost-effective, truly global coverage across vast oceanic expanses and Polar Regions, interfacing seamlessly with the VHF and SATCOM communications networks.

The data link services from ARINC gives airlines greater reliability, comprehensive operational messaging that eradicates the errors associated with radio voice communications.

“We are very excited to continue working with South African Airways,” said Alexis Hickox, Senior Director, Aviation Solutions, at ARINC EMEA. “We believe this renewal demonstrates the value ARINC provides our customers and positions us well for future growth in Africa.”

Following the announcement of the proposed sale of its parent company, ARINC Direct senior director of sales, Joel Ehrmann admitted that the merger could provide opportunities for both companies in terms of online flight planning and support services, but he was unable to talk about the deal.

“It’s still got to be approved by regulators,” he said, “So its business as usual until the sale completes. But there are a lot of potential synergies.”

Flight planning

At LABACE this year, ARINC Direct had their latest innovation, Xplore, the SATCOM box.  Once certified, the connection of iPad and other mobile devices in the cockpit will be easily and efficiently linked to the Iridium satellite network.  ARINC Direct may begin the pitch to helicopters, especially in the offshore oil industry.

ARINC Direct seem to be preparing for a new office in Brazil shortly; according to Mr Ehrmann, “The major thing here is everyone’s ramping up for the World Cup and Olympics in Rio.”  He believes that major improvements will be seen in infrastructure and activity.

Mr Ehrmann would not comment as to how many Brazillian or Latin American customers ARINC Direct have, but stated that worldwide, the company cater to over 3,100 aircraft.

ARINC Direct’s iPad app has been particularly popular in the business jet industry, with its flexibility for flight planning and flight support services.  It will work well with the Xplore box in the cockpit of private aircraft across the globe.

LOT Polish Airlines, long-term customer of ARINC Inc, has chosen GLOBALink ACARS data link program for the provision of essential communications for its new Boeing 787 Dreamliner.  LOT Polish Airlines is the first European operator of the Dreamliner, which heralds a new design of lighter passenger jets.

“We are delighted to support our valued customer LOT Polish Airlines as they bring new benefits to their passengers through the introduction of the 787 fleet,” said Alexis Hickox, Senior Director, Aviation Solutions, at ARINC EMEA. “We believe the cost saving benefits they have received from using GLOBALink ACARS in the past will prove equally compelling in the future.”

ARINC currently provide GLOBALink ACARS data link services for reliable messaging and the new contract will seamlessly integrate the 787 data link programme into ARINC’s data link management system and with LOT’s existing fleet.

“ARINC has been providing LOT with industry leading technology for over a decade,” notes Tomasz Balcerzak, Board Member for Operations and Maintenance at LOT Polish Airlines. “We are pleased with the entire portfolio of ARINC services and look forward to many future years of working together.”