ARINC launches new unit for broadband, satellite services

ARINC Inc. has created a new business unit to pursue opportunities for aeronautical satellite voice and narrowband and broadband data services for the commercial airline, business aviation and government and military markets, the company announced today.

Robert Thompson, senior director of the company's aeronautical broadband services unit, will lead ARINC Satellite Services. The new unit combines the company's GLOBALink/Satellite operations, which provide global Inmarsat voice and data communications to airlines, government and military customers, and its SKYLink Ku-band satellite business, which targets the large-business-jet market.

"The establishment of ARINC Satellite Services will provide the aeronautical industry with a single company entity that can provide all their satellite services, products and applications on a global basis," Thompson said.

ARINC, based in Annapolis, Md., is in transportation communications and systems engineering. The company posted revenue of $608 million in 2002 and employs more than 3,000 people.