ARINC offers portable wireless connection for airline on-board applications

ANNAPOLIS, Md., 14 Aug. 2007. ARINC Inc. in Annapolis, Md., introduced a wireless data communications module that brings portable connectivity to airline passenger cabin operations.

The ARINC Mobile Communications Gateway (MCG) supports airlines' on-board sales and credit card transactions, but it also is for other applications.

The ARINC MCG provides wireless connectivity and a recharging power source for in-flight electronic devices; airline crews download sales data wirelessly after a flight.

ARINC plans to announce flight trials of the MCG system with cooperating airlines that use the Abanco in-flight payment solution. ARINC and Abanco signed a marketing and reseller agreement in July.

"The ARINC Mobile Communications Gateway is a revolution in connectivity for airlines," states Rolf Stefani, Senior Director of the ARINC Technology Innovation Center. "It brings an affordable and portable solution to the airplane that can be used for many different purposes."

By adopting the MCG system for wireless downloading, airlines can eliminate the need for crews to remove point-of-sale devices from the aircraft after each flight. The MCG supports wireless data downloading by several devices simultaneously in one session. Airline crews can leave point-of-sale devices on board the plane, recharge them with the MCG power source, and receive wireless inventory uploads over the MCG as well.

"By introducing the MCG our goal was to streamline the on-board sales and data reporting process," states Andrew Kemmeueller, ARINC Service Director. "The MCG promises to reduce labor cost and inventory loss significantly. We also find it can reduce costs and provide new functionality in other airline operations as well."

Designed for commercial airline operations, the MCG unit may be left permanently on board a commercial aircraft. It does not rely on airport infrastructure, and airlines can adopt the MCG for use even at airports without Wi-Fi service. Several airlines have suggested new ways to apply MCG technology, and ARINC expects to announce other possible applications of the device in airline operations in the near future.

For more information contact ARINC online at www.arinc.com.