ARINC Installs First Class II Electronic Flight Bag System with Data Link on ASTAR Air Cargo B727.

ANNAPOLIS, Md. -- ARINC Incorporated has received supplemental type certification (STC) for its new eFlightDeck(TM) electronic flight bag (EFB) system installed on a Boeing B727 aircraft for ASTAR Air Cargo, Inc. It is the first deployment of ARINC's Class II EFB by a commercial carrier, and the first EFB system ever to support ACARS(R) data link.

ARINC received the STC for B727 installations on January 10 and plans a fleet-wide deployment this year on 25 ASTAR Boeing B727s, as well as 9 McDonnell Douglas DC8s, and 7 Airbus A300s. As a Class II device, the eFlightDeck system is suitable for use during all phases of flight when mounted in the aircraft.

Ron Hawkins, ARINC Vice President, Aviation Services, predicted the new Class II EFB technology will be widely accepted. "Data link capability delivered on a Class II EFB gives many carriers a low-cost path to ACARS(R) data link service, as well as to a host of other applications designed to improve operations. Our eFlightDeck solution virtually eliminates the need for costly changes in cockpit hardware. We're delighted to have an industry leader like ASTAR as our launch customer."

"ASTAR weighed the benefits of data link for several years. eFlightDeck was the first data link solution that made economic sense for our business model," stated Ron Mallard, Director of Airline Operations. "This new capability will enhance our operations, allowing instant communications throughout the world, and provide us the ability to utilize the full suite of EFB applications after our fleet deployment."

The eFlightDeck platform is based on an open Windows architecture, and additional airline-specific applications such as electronic flight manuals and charting, takeoff performance, weight & balance calculations, and weather services can easily be integrated. It is designed to host functions such as video surveillance, automated security, a document library, and wireless data communications.

The eFlightDeck software, combined with advanced display hardware from navAero, Inc., provides for a highly legible touch-screen unit with stylus-free operation and a superior brightness range for visibility under extremes of sun and night flight. A compact VHF avionics module from Wingspeed Corporation provides air/ground VHF ACARS connectivity. The ACARS user interface software, jointly developed by Wingspeed and ARINC, eliminates the need for dedicated ACARS display electronics in the cockpit, greatly reducing the installed cost of data link service.

ASTAR AIR CARGO is a licensed U.S. air carrier operating a fleet of 41 aircraft from its hub at the Cincinnati/Northern Kentucky International Airport. The airline provides all-cargo scheduled and charter services on a contract basis for the DHL Worldwide Express network and charter services on a contract basis for other customers including the U.S. Military and the United States Postal Service. For further information visit the ASTAR web site at www.astaraircargo.us.

ARINC Incorporated is the world leader in transportation communications and systems engineering. The company develops and operates communications and information processing systems and provides systems engineering and integration solutions to five key industries: airports, aviation, defense, government, and surface transportation. Founded to provide reliable and efficient radio communications for the airlines, ARINC is headquartered in Annapolis, Maryland, and operates key regional offices in London and Singapore, with over 3,000 employees worldwide. ARINC is ISO 9001:2001 Certified. For more information, visit the ARINC web site at www.arinc.com.