ARINC Direct Offers Operators Fast On-Line Tracking of Satellite Calling Costs

Annapolis, Maryland, USA, May 20, 2008 — Operators of business aircraft can now easily account for their satellite communications usage in flight by taking advantage of a feature just added to the ARINC DirectSM in-flight communications portfolio.

ARINC Direct has enabled on-line access to current calling data for aircraft operators, enabling operators to track their actual satellite communications charges in near real-time — either during a flight or immediately afterwards.

The new capability is available immediately to all ARINC Direct customers and is accessible through the ARINC Direct web-based Customer Interface from any Internet connection on land or in-flight.

“We are continually committed to making ARINC Direct flight services the most useful and convenient available, and this development is one major example,” stated James Hardie, ARINC Direct Manager, EMEA. “ARINC Direct customers already have on-line access for their flight planning, weather, fuel purchasing, runway analysis, and ACARS® messaging. Now we offer them virtual real-time access to their satellite calling charge data, so they can stay on top of another variable cost of operation.”

Operators can view their satellite voice and data traffic on a per-aircraft basis with the feature, a real benefit for corporate flight departments who must account for day to day aircraft use, as well as for charter companies who offer onboard communications for regular or occasional passengers.

“Staying connected with satellite communications in flight is becoming a primary consideration for business aircraft passengers and operators,” stated Bob Richard, ARINC Senior Director, Business Aviation Solutions. “ARINC Direct not only offers today’s operators the broadest choice of satellite communication services — from Direct Dial Iridium and Inmarsat Aero, to data and fax services, to the Internet via Inmarsat Swift or ARINC SKYLink — but we now have simplified the management of these advanced services for every operator.”

ARINC Direct is an essential partner to business aviation, offering flight information and flight communications, a 24x7 flight support facility, training programs, and comprehensive avionics engineering and maintenance programs. The ARINC Direct SKYLink satellite network paired with Rockwell Collins eXchangeTM avionics delivers the world’s only broadband communications solution for business aircraft. For more information, visit www.arinc.com or e-mail direct@arinc.com.

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.