ARINC, Astrium, and Tenzing Communications, with the full support of Airbus, jointly demonstrated their broadband technology to airline executives September 11 at the World Airline Entertainment Association conference.

Broadband connectivity, delivered by satellite, is seen as the communications medium of the future for the aerospace industry. The combined skills of the four companies give them a unique competitive advantage and position them to lead the deployment of in-flight connectivity on commercial aircraft.

Tenzing Communications currently is the only company to successfully deploy in-flight e-mail on commercial flights, using existing technologies and current onboard networks. ARINC, with 60% of the airline communications market, operates global high-speed networks. Astrium, Europe's leading aerospace company, builds and operates satellite communications networks. Airbus, with half the world's market in commercial aircraft, intends to offer a range of broadband services to its airline customers.

Unlike its market competitors, the new consortium offers a broadband solution that builds on current technologies many airlines already have in place. Airbus intends to have available at the right time an efficient broadband solution that fits perfectly with its Airbus In Flight Information Services (AFIS) strategy. It recently purchased a major stake in Tenzing Communications.

"Our aircraft are the most efficient in service today," said John Leahy, Chief Commercial Officer for Airbus. "It is our intent, with these technical skills, to further reduce costs and provide the services required by airline passengers in the 21st century."

Edward Nicol, CEO of Tenzing Communications, said, "Using existing communications technologies and current onboard networks allows us to offer airlines many advantages in the short term. With broadband we can assure these existing customers that they have a confirmed upgrade path." Tenzing has existing commitments to fit 500 aircraft with e-mail and web technologies by the end of 2002. He further said, "Already, 10,000 customers have registered to use our in-flight e-mail services. We do not intend to give up that lead. We intend to be the first ISP to offer our airline and corporate customers the advantages of broadband connectivity."

Graham Lake, Managing Director of ARINC's European Operations, stated, "We are leaders in the aircraft communications market today. In teaming with partners whom we consider as `best of breed,' we intend to lead the broadband connectivity market, too."

"The satellite broadband demonstration that Astrium and our partners presented is a clear indication of our capacity to address the need of this market," said Nicolas Chamussy, Astrium Head of New Ventures and Telecom. "Astrium complements ARINC in many aspects of this business; therefore, this new partnership will be second to none in offering the aviation industry this new generation of communication services."

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