ARINC Delivers New GateFusion^SM—First Common-Use Service for the Tarmac

June 5, 2007

Annapolis, Maryland—Building on positive industry response to its Gatelink Summit meeting in late 2006, ARINC Incorporated today announced the launch of GateFusion^SM, the first common-use wireless gatelink service for airlines worldwide. The company is in discussion with more than 100 airports globally, and GateFusion service is expected to be available at airports on two continents before the end of the year.

GateFusion’s common-use design is a breakthrough: multiple airlines will be able to exchange data wirelessly with aircraft on the ground at any GateFusion-equipped airport. It is also the first common-use data service based on the AEEC-763 and 822 standards.

“The response from airlines and airports at our recent Summit was tremendously positive,” stated Steve Means, ARINC Vice President, Aviation Solutions. “We listened to their needs, and GateFusion is our response: a consistent, standards-based solution for the global aviation community.”

Airlines increasingly perform large data transfers on the ramp for new applications such as Electronic Flight Bags (EFBs), Flight Operational Quality Assurance (FOQA) programs, and In-Flight Entertainment (IFE) systems. GateFusion is designed to interface seamlessly with existing wireless infrastructures of different providers, including airport Wi-Fi systems and airline-installed networks. GateFusion thus offers airlines a consistent global interface for data delivery, without the cost and complexity of deploying and managing separate proprietary systems at multiple airports.

ARINC’s Data Delivery Service will pre-stage airline data files on GateFusion Local Delivery Servers at each airport, where arriving aircraft can exchange data locally over a broadband Wi-Fi connection. This eliminates potential bandwidth bottlenecks at network connections outside the airport. If an aircraft must push back while data is loading, GateFusion marks the end-of-transmission point and forwards the remaining data to the next GateFusion airport for resumption of delivery. In addition, all data delivery priority levels are set by the airline, ensuring the right information gets to the right plane at the right time.

“An increasing number of commercial aircraft have Wi-Fi data capability today,” continued Means, “and as their need for data grows, the need for a seamless worldwide gatelink solution becomes paramount. GateFusion will get the airlines’ data where it needs to be, making an efficient, global gatelink service no longer just a dream.”

GateFusion is a natural extension of ARINC’s long tradition of applying technology to improve the delivery of mission-critical data for aircraft around the world. It joins the company’s other aircraft communications services including VHF/HF voice communications, VHF ACARS^® data link, GLOBALink^SM HF data link, Inmarsat and Iridium satellite communications, and ground operational communications.

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: 07-36

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