• Includes streaming TV, voice and text services for passengers
  • Dashboard will provide consolidated, real-time operational data to airlines

ANAHEIM, Calif. (September 16, 2014) - Rockwell Collins today announced enhancements for its ARINC Cabin Connect, the company's in-flight connectivity platform, which will provide benefits to both passengers and airlines.  The company, which recently signed on as a GX Aviation Value Added Reseller, will use Inmarsat's latest generation Ka-broadband service to provide the new capabilities to aviation customers worldwide.

ARINC Cabin Connect will take advantage of GX Aviation's increased bandwidth and high-speed connectivity to offer real-time TV and TV-on-demand. The service will enable passengers to access live news, sports or popular events like the Academy Awards while in-flight, just as they enjoy on the ground.

Rockwell Collins is also launching a new ARINC Cabin Connect capability that enables passengers to use mobile phones to send and receive SMS text messages and, where approved by aviation authorities, make voice calls over the internet while in-flight.  For airlines, in addition to providing value-added services, the application will eliminate the need for a separate on-board cell phone network, saving money and time, as well as removing the extra weight associated with the hardware typically used with an on-board Wi-Fi network.

"Our knowledge of how communications platforms work, combined with our systems integration expertise, enables Rockwell Collins to create solutions that meet the specific needs of our global aviation customers," said Michael DiGeorge, vice president of international and global airports for Rockwell Collins. "Expanding our ARINC Cabin Connect capabilities through Inmarsat's high-speed service will provide airlines and their customers with new services designed to meet the ever-growing demand for accessing information and in-flight entertainment."

In addition to greater passenger connectivity, Rockwell Collins is also leveraging its information management capabilities to offer new tools to enhance airline efficiency.  A new dashboard feature will allow an airline to monitor a wide variety of system-critical elements, from when an aircraft pushes back from the gate, to what percentage of the fleet is flying to which cabin applications and services are being utilized.

"Because we offer nose-to-tail solutions, we have a tremendous amount of valuable information we can provide to airlines about their aircraft," said DiGeorge. "With this dashboard, we are putting that information into an easy-to-use format that helps airlines to improve their operational decision making."

The new capabilities are currently in development and expected to be available to coincide with the introduction of GX services on a global basis by the end of the first half of 2015.

About Rockwell Collins
Rockwell Collins 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, simulation and training, and information management services is delivered by a global workforce, and a service and support network that crosses more than 150 countries.www.rockwellcollins.com.

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