ARINC's SKYLink^SM Broadband Service for Business Jets Launches New Caribbean Coverage

Annapolis, Maryland—ARINC Direct today announced it has expanded its SKYLink^SM broadband satellite communications network to include substantial coverage of the Caribbean, Central America, and part of South America.

ARINC’s development partner, SES AMERICOM, is providing the new satellite coverage over its Ku-band Satellite NSS-7, and will be transitioning to its future home on SES AMERICOM’s AMC-21 satellite in the fourth quarter of 2008.

In combination with Rockwell Collins’ eXchange^TM product line, the SKYLink satellite network provides the only in-flight Ku-band broadband communication solution available to business jet operators today—eXchange with Service by SKYLink.  

ARINC conducted extensive Beta tests of the new SKYLink coverage from the Gulf of Mexico to northern Peru. Cooperating SKYLink customers helped to map the signal strength, and during a recent test flight a customer made routine use of SKYLink Internet access enroute from Chicago Executive Airport (KPWK), Chicago, Illinois to Eldorado International Airport (SKBO), in Bogota, Colombia.

“The customer reported seamless access during the trip, with reliable coverage for the entire flight,” stated Bob Hanley, ARINC Vice President, Business Aviation Solutions.  After selective flight testing was completed, ARINC conducted a successful full-fleet Beta test that lasted almost a month.

The new Caribbean coverage area means users of the SKYLink network will be able to fly from Europe to North America, across the Caribbean, and on to Central and South America, without losing access to important e-mail or Internet applications. To encourage customers to take part in the coverage tests, ARINC Direct suspended roaming charges in the new region through July 21, 2008. Customer feedback was used to adjust satellite coverage and to map signal strength across the region.

The new coverage includes the Bahamas, Jamaica, Cuba, Haiti, the Dominican Republic, Puerto Rico, the Lesser Antilles, Trinidad-Tobago; Belize, Guatemala, Honduras, El Salvador, Nicaragua, Costa Rica, Panama, Colombia, Ecuador, northern Peru, northern Bolivia, Venezuela, Guyana, and part of Surinam.

eXchange with service by SKYLink is the only communications system for business jets offering true broadband Internet speeds—as high as 3.5 Mbps to the aircraft. Customers have access to e-mail, corporate intranet (VPN), the Web, flat-rate Voice over IP (VoIP) global telephone service, and videoconferencing. eXchange also provides e-mail and data capability for personal Wi-Fi enabled smartphones in the cabin.

Rockwell Collins (NYSE: COL) is a pioneer in the development and deployment of innovative communication and aviation electronic solutions for both commercial and government applications. The company’s expertise in flight deck avionics, cabin electronics, mission communications and information management, and simulation and training is strengthened by 20,000 employees, and a global service and support network that crosses 27 countries. To find out more, please visit www.rockwellcollins.com.

As the leading supplier of satellite services in the U.S., SES AMERICOM (www.ses-americom.com) serves broadcasters, cable programmers, aeronautical and maritime communications integrators, internet service providers, mobile communications networks, government agencies, educational institutions, carriers and secure global data networks with efficient communications and content distribution solutions.  The company, recognized as a major innovator of advanced satellite communications services, operates a fleet of 15 spacecraft in orbital positions predominantly providing service throughout the Americas. In addition, AMERICOM Government Services (AGS), a wholly-owned subsidiary, is dedicated to providing satellite-based communications solutions to both civilian and defense agencies of the U.S. Government. SES AMERICOM is an SES company (Euronext Paris and Luxembourg Stock Exchange: SESG).  SES wholly owns three market-leading satellite operators, SES ASTRA in Europe, SES AMERICOM in North America, and SES NEW SKIES which provides global coverage and connectivity.  The company also holds 90% of SES SIRIUS in Europe as well as strategic participations in Ciel in Canada and QuetzSat in Mexico. SES provides outstanding satellite communications solutions via a fleet of 38 satellites in 25 orbital positions around the globe. Additional information on SES is available at www.ses.com.

ARINC Incorporated, a portfolio company of The Carlyle Group, provides communications, engineering and integration solutions for commercial, defense and government customers worldwide. Headquartered in Annapolis, Maryland with regional headquarters in London and Singapore, ARINC is ISO 9001certified. 

Release: 08-067C

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