Aerospace Communications Provider Airtel ATN Wins Several Contracts for FAA NextGen ATS Program

Article in IrishDev.com 21 July 2010

Airtel ATN, a global supplier of aeronautical telecommunications network (ATN) software to the aerospace industry, has won several  contracts associated with the Federal Aviation Administration's (FAA) NextGen Air Transportation System (ATS) program.  

The Dun Laoghaire headquartered company will provide key data link software, avionics test equipment and development services to several US-based companies and research organisations involved in the design and implementation of the ATS. It is thought the value of the contracts will be circa $1 million in 2010.

The FAA's NextGen ATS is a comprehensive overhaul of the US airspace system that is intended to make air travel more convenient, safe, secure and dependable. Focused on better data communications, it enables the FAA to track and guide aircraft more precisely and efficiently, decrease fuel consumption, reduce noise and pollution, prevent lengthy flight delays and eliminate accidents. The key to the system's success will be its ability to ensure that critical data reaches key decision makers when needed.

The news was announced during an economic mission to the U.S. led by Ireland's Taoiseach, Brian Cowen. Commenting on the deal, the Taoiseach said, "Airtel ATN's technology exemplifies the kind of sophisticated software that is being pioneered in Ireland and enabling the world's most advanced industry segments. I commend the company for its innovative products and increasing success in the US market."

Founded in 1998, Airtel ATN is an international leader in the development of ATN communications software. It offers a range of ATN and VDL Mode-2 data link products including avionics routers, avionics test equipment, ground data link servers, air/ground routers and ground systems test equipment, and live projects include Boeing, Airbus, ARINC and Rockwell Collins.

The company is already involved in providing similar products and services needed for the FAA's ATS program to the European Union's EUROCONTROL Link 2000+ program.

Airtel ATN's CEO, Frank O'Connor, credited his company's extensive experience in the aviation industry for the latest customer wins. "Delivering tangible value to systems integrators in the form of differentiated products that sharpen their competitive edge is at the heart of what we do. These wins, along with our participation in the EUROCONTROL Link 2000+ program, demonstrate Airtel's experience and leadership in providing the aerospace industry with the latest in ATN data link technology."