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ARINC Launches Vehicle-Based Flight Information Display System


arinc (select to view enlarged photo)

ANNAPOLIS, MD--March 13, 2012: ARINC Managed Services (AMS), the world's leading provider of managed IT services and support for airports and airport facilities, today announced the newest application of its innovative microFIDS flight information technology--microFIDS mobile. The new solution allows airport shuttle bus companies, car rental companies and other passenger fleet operators to easily install flight information displays inside their vehicles, providing up-to-the-minute flight and other information to passengers as they ride to and from the terminal.

“It opens doors for a host of capabilities--from vehicle tracking to live online fleet management options. microFIDS mobile provides a robust, reliable platform for a wide array of customer services and operating advantages.”

"This is a very exciting launch for us, because passenger fleet operators are continually seeking ways to improve the travel experience for customers and achieve differentiation in a commoditized space," Christopher Forrest, Managing Director at ARINC Managed Services. "Providing live flight information to customers in transit offers peace-of-mind and eliminates surprises upon arrival at the terminal--it's another way to take uncertainty and stress out of the travel experience."

Integrated GPS Technology Provides Additional Value

Like ARINC's microFIDS solution for hotels and airport environments, microFIDS mobile makes it easy to customize displayed content based on user needs. Going one step further, integrated GPS in the mobile version allows the information displayed to change based on whether the vehicle is travelling to or from the airport. For example, airport-bound shuttle passengers might be shown flight, terminal, and airport-specific information or advertisements. On the return trip, screen content automatically changes to destination information for arriving passengers, such as local traffic, rental information, or paid advertising from area businesses.

"The integrated GPS is one of the most exciting features about microFIDS mobile," notes Forrest. "It opens doors for a host of capabilities--from vehicle tracking to live online fleet management options. microFIDS mobile provides a robust, reliable platform for a wide array of customer services and operating advantages."

The microFIDS mobile systems have proven easy to install in vehicles. Existing displays can be retrofitted for microFIDS or new monitors can be installed in a wide variety of sizes and configurations to suit the vehicle. Either way, the process takes from 1 to 4 hours and can easily be completed in a typical maintenance cycle, keeping vehicles productive and on the road.

"In addition to vehicles, rugged outdoor screens can be placed outside of rental offices or in parking areas," adds Forrest. "Deploying microFIDS is very straightforward, and because everything is web-based, it's up and running immediately after installation."

microFIDS mobile is currently in use by one of the nation's largest car rental companies.

ARINC Incorporated, a portfolio company of The Carlyle Group, provides communications, engineering and integration solutions for commercial, defense and government customers worldwide. Headquartered in Annapolis, Maryland with regional headquarters in London and Singapore, ARINC is ISO 9001:2008 and AS9100 certified. For more information, visit the web site at ARINC.