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Press Release
Issued by FLYHT Aerospace Solutions.
July 30, 2013
FLYHT Aerospace Solutions Ltd. ("FLYHT") reported today that the AFIRS 228 has been approved for use on the ARINC network to provide ACARS over Iridium messages. The approval was the result of completion of ARINC's GLOBALink/Iridium Phase 3 AQP testing in Annapolis, Maryland, which required AFIRS 228 have the ability to send Aircraft Communications Addressing and Reporting System (ACARS) and other datalink messages over the ARINC network through Iridium.
The ACARS aviation protocol, developed in the 1950s and deployed via VHF radios, has been the mainstay of communicating and air traffic messages for more than 50 years. Only two organizations are approved to route those messages on the ground and from the ground to airborne equipment. Those organizations are SITA and ARINC.
Iridium is approved to carry those messages rather than traditional VHF radio. FLYHT has utilized the Iridium satellite network for almost a decade as this ensures its technology has global reach.
FLYHT's development of the 228 was initiated in part to take advantage of these changes and this approval, in conjunction with the approval announced last week, make the AFIRS product available as a component to provide ACARS data transmission to and from aircraft. In addition, AFIRS facilitates safety services voice services for FLYHT customers. Safety Services Voice allows voice communications between pilots and air traffic controllers via Iridium.
Bill Tempany, president and ceo of FLYHT stated: "This is a key milestone for the company and its customers. To successfully pass the AQP testing on the first attempt is not the industry norm. We are thrilled that the certification program for FLYHT's products is proceeding as smoothly as planned, which is the result of the highly skilled and dedicated team that FLYHT has assembled. The certification of the AFIRS 228 opens an expanded market to major carriers requiring the AOI capability for FANS or CPDLC compliance for FLYHT. These approvals underpin an aggressive marketing push, which is well underway."