Avionica is pleased to announce that Continental Airlines has successfully accomplished the world's first ever ACARS (Aircraft Communications and Reporting System) communications in regular commercial passenger service over the Iridium™ satellite network.

Communications were between one of Continental's satLINK™-equipped Boeing 737-800 aircraft flying over the Pacific ocean and Continental headquarters in Houston , TX . In numerous cases, aircraft systems reported that Iridium was the only communications media available.

Continental has been successfully using Avionica's satLINK system for voice communications in the Pacific theater for the past year. The aircraft are now being upgraded to include data messaging capabilities. Continental will soon be installing satLINK with integrated voice and data in their fleet of 757-200 aircraft, as well.

In early January, the International Civil Aviation Organization (ICAO) Council approved standards and recommended practices (SARPs) that now permit Iridium® Satellite to provide Aeronautical Mobile Satellite (Route) Services (AMS®S) for commercial aircraft on transoceanic flights. Avionica's satLINK has also been AQP qualified by ARINC and VAQ qualified by SITA for data messaging.

"We are installing integrated satellite communications systems on aircraft never designed with SATCOM in mind", states Avionica Vice President Stylian Cocalides , "Changing economics have made aircraft like the 757 and 737 transoceanic carriers, and we're very excited about improving their communications capabilities. It's all about efficiency and safety".

"Avionica's system is finding increasing favor because it offers a unique level of avionics integration," noted Stylian, "Voice communications are entirely integrated into the aircraft's audio system using the audio panel , headset, and mic push-to-talk keys for control. satLINK also provides fully-integrated messaging functionality. Popular ARINC 739 MCDUs (or even older-technology ARINC ACARS IDUs) serve as the interactive data messaging (and dialing) terminals. satLINK further interfaces with the ARINC 758 Communications Management Unit to transmit and receive standard data packages over the SITA or ARINC networks, working as a drop-in replacement for any ARINC 741 Satellite Data Unit (SDU). Status messages are available on the EICAS system, and the cabin handset option is a uniquely functional feature - it uses VoIP technology over the integrated Cabin Wireless LAN Unit (CWLU)".

Continental Airlines is the world's fifth largest airline.  Continental, together with Continental Express and Continental Connection, has more than 2,900 daily departures throughout the Americas , Europe and Asia , serving 144 domestic and 139 international destinations. More than 550 additional points are served via SkyTeam alliance airlines.  With more than 45,000 employees, Continental has hubs serving New York , Houston , Cleveland and Guam , and together with Continental Express, carries approximately 69 million passengers per year. Continental consistently earns awards and critical acclaim for both its operation and its corporate culture.