ARINC DirectSM Offers Iridium Solution for MagnaStar® Airfone ReplacementSeptember 12, 2006Annapolis, Maryland—ARINC DirectSM today announced a series of complete hardware and service solutions for aircraft operators seeking a cost-effective replacement for the Teledyne MagnaStar® air-ground phone systems. Several solutions provide operators maximum flexibility in replacing the functionality of their MagnaStar systems. One solution is an avionics-only upgrade, with hardware from ICG, the International Communications Group of Newport News, VA, a market leader in Iridium communications technology. This solution makes use of the MagnaStar phones and functionality already on the aircraft, and enables communications via the Iridium satellite network for a cost-effective alternative to Inmarsat. This “plug and play” solution requires minimal down time and no interior modifications to the aircraft. A more comprehensive solution includes all-new ICG Iridium avionics and Private Branch Exchange (PBX) hub, supporting up to six feature-rich handsets offering an executive-style communications system with cockpit interface. With either option, the ICG avionics platform gives operators an option to add ACARS® data link service for the aircraft, via ARINC Direct, to support in-flight weather, flight following, and flight plans. ARINC is the only Iridium Service Provider that has fully developed and deployed an ACARS data link capability using Iridium. This allows pilots to use the Iridium platform for data link communications as a supplement to VHF, providing universal coverage. “Thousands of MagnaStar users are looking right now for a way to replace their in-air phone service,” stated Brian Pemberton, Iridium Service Manager, ARINC Business Aviation Solutions. “ARINC has an immediate, cost-effective answer for them, whether they need a single voice channel or executive-style communications. ARINC is a long-time aviation service provider, and we are sensitive to operators’ needs to maintain reliable airborne communications with minimum downtime.” As an Iridium Service Provider, ARINC handles all service activation and ongoing customer support to ensure air to ground communications will perform as expected. ARINC can also provide installation services with complete hardware and technical support to ensure a smooth installation. Like an office PBX, the ICG PBX handles multiple calls, call waiting, conferencing, and wireless handset connectivity. ICG Iridium avionics sets can be integrated with the cockpit for simultaneous voice and ACARS—including data link messaging, enhanced weather, position reporting, and future applications. The ICG PBX unit incorporates standard ARINC interfaces that will support anticipated future broadband services. ARINC Incorporated is the world leader in transportation communications and systems engineering. The company develops and operates communications and information processing systems and provides systems engineering and integration solutions to five key industries: airports, aviation, defense, government, and surface transportation. Founded to provide reliable and efficient radio communications for the airlines, ARINC is headquartered in Annapolis, Maryland, and operates key regional offices in London and Singapore, with over 3,200 employees worldwide. ARINC is ISO 9001:2000 certified. Release: 06-133 Corporate Communications |
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