News
Rockwell Collins and ARINC equip first Citation X

May 1, 2008, Cedar Rapids, IA and Annapolis, MD – Rockwell Collins and ARINC DirectSM today announced the successful installation of their high-speed Internet communications solution for business jets—eXchangeTM with Service by SKYLink—on a customer’s Citation X aircraft, Cessna’s largest airframe.

This first commercial aftermarket installation of the eXchange system was completed at ARINC’s Colorado Springs facility, using an in-house STC developed under ARINC’s recent ODA (Organization Designation Authorization).

eXchange is the only Ku-band connectivity solution available for business jets and is supported by ARINC’s expanding SKYLink Internet satellite network services. The broadband terminal hardware on the aircraft and the satellite network ground infrastructure is provided by ViaSat Inc. and uses ViaSat ArcLight® advanced mobile broadband technology.

With connectivity comparable to a high-speed office connection, eXchange offers corporate aircraft the only true Ku-band broadband communications available today. It provides access to e-mail, corporate intranets (VPN), the Internet, FoIP, VoIP telephony, and data connectivity for Wi-Fi enabled Blackberries and other smartphones.

“We are very pleased to perform the first commercial installation of Rockwell Collins eXchange avionics here at Colorado Springs,” stated Wayne Turnquist, Director,
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Aviation Maintenance Services. “Our new ODA and our background experience in helping to develop the equipment makes ARINC Direct a great choice to perform the installation as well.”

“Bringing broadband connectivity to the business aviation market has been a long-time commitment from Rockwell Collins,” said Tommy Dodson, Vice President and General Manager, Cabin Systems for Rockwell Collins. “This first successful aftermarket installation and operation of eXchange marks an important step forward in providing true connectivity for business jet passengers.”

ARINC geographic coverage of SKYLink offers seamless broadband connectivity across North America, most of Europe, and the North Atlantic flight tracks. Caribbean and partial South and Central American coverage is planned in mid-2008, and Middle East and Asia Pacific coverage is under consideration.

Rockwell Collins operates one of the world’s largest avionics service networks, and sells and supports the eXchange hardware worldwide. ARINC is the world’s leading provider of aeronautical satellite services and supports eXchange customers through its established SKYLink satellite network. ViaSat, the original manufacturer of avionics branded ARINC SKYLink, manufactures the eXchange broadband terminal hardware for business jets.

Rockwell Collins (NYSE: COL) is a pioneer in the development and deployment of innovative communication and aviation electronic solutions for both commercial and government applications. Our expertise in flight deck avionics, cabin electronics, mission communications and information management, and simulation and training is strengthened by 20,000 employees, and a global service and support network that crosses 27 countries. To find out more, please visit www.rockwellcollins.com.

ViaSat (Nasdaq: VSAT) produces innovative satellite and digital communication products that enable fast, secure, and efficient communications to any location. Founded in 1986, ViaSat has over 1,800 employees worldwide serving a mix of commercial and government customers. For more information, visit ViaSat website at www.viasat.com .

The ARINC Direct SKYLink service is used by more than 70 corporate, personal, and government aircraft based in North America, Europe, and the Middle East. 

ARINC Incorporated, a portfolio company of The Carlyle Group, provides communications, engineering and integration solutions for commercial, defense and government customers worldwide. Headquartered in Annapolis, Maryland with regional headquarters in London and Singapore, ARINC is ISO 9001:2000 certified. For more information, visit the web site at www.arinc.com .