ARINC Joins RAA, Hoping To Improve Communications With The Big Boys

ARINC Incorporated has expanded the range of services it offers US airlines and is seeking to establish closer relationships with domestic regional carriers. The company has been named to the 2003-2004 Associate Member Council of the Regional Airline Association, and plans to assume a higher profile at industry forums and conferences.

"We are glad to fill the role of a communications provider on the Council," stated Karla Cadden, ARINC Marketing Director, who represents the company on the Council. "We expect to be able to offer the industry substantial perspective on many communications developments, as well as a range of new services."

ARINC is known for carrying most of the air operational communications in North America on its voice and ACARS networks. But the company has recently expanded its portfolio with ground-to-ground business networking, aircraft maintenance services, and new digital communications capabilities.

ARINC now offers regional airlines a broad range of maintenance, inspection, modification, and instrument services at its Colorado Springs, CO, Aircraft Service Center. ARINC recently expanded the Center and has just contracted with Mesa Air Group to provide scheduled overnight maintenance and inspection services there. The company can also perform maintenance at customer sites.

ARINC's AviNet capability offers ground-to-ground business networking for the airlines and their business partners, handling the diversity of protocols and legacy requirements common in the industry, as well as carrying advanced IP applications.

Digital communications has changed rapidly, as airframe makers have begun delivering avionics with VDL digital capability as standard equipment. ARINC recently completed a buildout of 178 VDL Mode 2 ground stations in North America, and growing regional fleets now have an opportunity to migrate from analog data to digital. ARINC will be working in concert with manufacturers, and assisting regional carriers with new services. Operators of regional fleets and large business fleets are starting to embrace digital communications for the operating efficiencies and improved types of information management it can offer.

"We will do everything we can to assist carriers who want to move toward digital services," Cadden continued. "ARINC's implementation team will support all facets of the program, from the avionics to the ground host."

FMI: www.arinc.com