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TrueNorth Cockpit Datalink Unit receives SITA ACARS approval

Oct. 20, 2008, Ottawa - TrueNorth Avionics, Inc.'s new Iridium®-based Simphone - cockpit datalink unit (DLU) has successfully passed SITA’s VAQ process and has been qualified for operation on the SITA ACARS network.


October 20, 2008  By Carey Fredericks

Oct. 20, 2008, Ottawa – TrueNorth Avionics, Inc., is pleased to announce that its new Iridium®-based Simphone¯ cockpit datalink unit (DLU) has successfully passed SITA’s VAQ process in several tested configurations and has been qualified for operation on the SITA ACARS network. Offering reliable worldwide flight deck messaging, TrueNorth’s Simphone¯ DLU has now been demonstrated to be fully compatible with SITA’s network, providing an affordable means of augmenting existing voice and data communications systems.

Incorporating an Iridium Satcom transceiver, the Simphone¯ DLU works with TrueNorth’s Simphone¯ executive airborne telephone and other airborne telecom systems to let flight crews communicate with the ground or other aircraft via Iridium’s efficient short-burst data service, all without restricting cabin telecommunications. Offering true global coverage, the new Simphone¯ DLU outperforms conventional ground-based VHF networks and, in addition to the SITA network, is ccompatible with all operational and planned ACARS and AFIS datalink systems.

The compact Simphone¯ DLU weighs just 1.6 lb., requires no cooling and installs with a single connector. The smallest such datalink solution available, the advanced Simphone¯ DLU even has its own Iridium antenna connection for enhanced reliability.

“With their extensive and well-regarded communications services, SITA is truly a leader in airborne telecommunications, so we’re pleased that they’ve recognized the value and performance of the Simphone¯ DLU,” said Mark van Berkel, TrueNorth’s CEO. “We’re committed to expanding the options available to SITA airline customers while opening up new markets for Iridium based voice and ACARS services such as Short haul aviation, and we think that TrueNorth’s Simphone¯ products, including their new DLU, provide an excellent platform for our services,” noted Damien McCormack, Director AIRCOM Satellite, at SITA.

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About TrueNorth: Based in Ottawa, Canada, TrueNorth Avionics, Inc., is a world-class technology company focused on developing integrated communications solutions for business aviation. Its premier product, the Simphone¯ (pronounced ‘Symphony’) airborne telephone, is an executive-class system that combines unmatched ease of use, advanced functionality and an impressive array of personalization features. With an open architecture designed to avoid obsolescence, network interfaces for Inmarsat, Iridium and broadband, single-LRU packagin and auto-programming IP/Multimedia handsets, the all-digital Simphone¯ is an ideal replacement for aging MagnaStar systems. Options include self-contained ACARS/AFIS datalink, Iridium fax, a legacy Satcom interface and embedded Wi-Fi capability. Learn more at www.truenorthavionics.com .

About SITA: SITA is the specialist provider of integrated IT business solutions and communication services for the world’s air transport industry. SITA manages complex communication solutions for its air transport, government and GDS customers over the world's most extensive communication network, complemented by consultancy in the design, deployment and integration of communication services. Its broad range of airline and airport IT applications and services includes airport operations and integrated baggage services, common use and desktop services, flight operations and air-to-ground communications and end-to-end airline distribution and fares services. SITA covers 220 countries and territories and the head office is in Geneva, Switzerland. Further information can be found at www.sita.aero .

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