Test flight of new technology on AA flight out of DFW is successful

Qualcomm Incorporated, pioneer of Code Division Multiple Access (CDMA) digital wireless technology, and American Airlines today successfully demonstrated inflight voice and data communications using standard commercial CDMA cellular phones.

Passengers flying at normal altitude on a commercial American Airlines aircraft placed calls to international destinations and received calls dialed to their own mobile phone number as if they were on the ground.

This proof-of-concept demonstration flight originated out of DFW Airport, headquarters for American Airlines.  Standard cellular communications was supported by a small in-cabin CDMA cellular base station connected to the worldwide terrestrial phone network by an air-to-ground GlobalStar satellite link.  Passengers on the American Airlines aircraft included American Airlines customers, members of the media and government representatives.  During the approximately two-hour flight, attendees were able to originate and receive multiple calls and text messages on normal mobile phones. 

The information gathered during this proof-of-concept demonstration flight will be used to verify the quality, convenience, and safety of communications with personal CDMA mobile phones carried by passengers on commercial aircraft.

"We are pleased to work closely with American Airlines to successfully complete this proof-of-concept demonstration of in-flight use of standard CDMA cell phones," said Dr. Irwin Jacobs, chairman and CEO of Qualcomm.  "We believe airline passengers will welcome this major extension of communications coverage with their own cell phone to the cabin of a commercial airplane flying comfortably at high speed to a chosen destination.  They will have the comfort of knowing they can be reached easily in a home or business emergency, even though the caller does not know they are in flight."

"This event showcases American Airlines and Qualcomm as technology pioneers and market leaders in their respective industries," said Monte Ford, CIO of American Airlines.  "Leveraging the proven benefits of Qualcomm's 3G CDMA technology, this proof-of-concept event is the first step in bringing in-cabin wireless services to American Airlines' customers."

QUALCOMM has positioned itself to lead the research and development of mobile phone solutions while continuing to work closely with the aviation industry to ensure the use of safe and reliable communications within aircraft cabins.  The company brings a deep understanding and extensive experience in developing wireless standards, including 3G CDMA, to research and participation with aviation standards groups, such as the Radio Technical Commission for Aeronautics (RTCA), and regulatory bodies, including the Federal Communications Commission (FCC) and Federal Aviation Administration (FAA).

FMI: www.qualcomm.com, www.amrcorp.com