ARINC Sees Satcom Demand Jump

ARINC said it has seen increasing demand for its Iridium voice and data communications services by airlines. ARINC’s GLOBALink/Iridium voice and data communications services, which recently marked one year of service, is data link system that enables air crews to communicate with ground crews and airline host systems. Cathay Pacific became the first airline to adopt ARINC’s GLOBALink/Iridium service in September 2006. ARINC said its list of Iridium customers grew nearly 40 percent between June and September this year, while its Iridium data link message totals increased 26 percent and Iridium telephony usage jumped 46 percent. “With low avionics costs and global coverage, we anticipated airlines and aircraft operators worldwide would recognize the value of Iridium and adopt it for operational use,” said Peter Grogan, director of ARINC Aviation Solutions. “But the current level of interest and growth in our GLOBALink/Iridium customer base has exceeded any initial expectations.”