OpenSkies to Install Wingspeed's Communications Platform and EFB

OpenSkies, a new wholly owned subsidiary of British Airways, will install Wingspeed's communications system and EFB (electronic flight bag) on each of its B-757s to provide long-range communications and a migration path to future paperless operations.

Each OpenSkies aircraft will be immediately equipped with a Wingspeed XLLink communications unit, a Class 2 EFB, and provisioning for an XLLink network server unit.

XLLink's worldwide voice and data communications system can deliver ACARS (aircraft communications addressing and reporting system) over either Iridium or VHF networks for all usual airline functions, including OOOI (out, off, on, and in) reports, flight tracking, weather, and other operational information.  Its EFB software can display a range of messages and flight data in the cockpit, including graphics, and correspondingly deliver formatted messages over a secure Internet connection to an airline's operations center.  Passenger phone and email communications are possible as well.

Mark Mannering-Smith, the airline's technical pilot and project sponsor, said, "The installation of this system will allow us to communicate with our aircraft wherever they are in the world, at a very attractive price point in the near term." He added that "the potential to scale up the solution to help us achieve significant efficiencies in our operations, and to offer an augmented service to our passengers," also was an important consideration for the airline.

OpenSkies plans to start operations from Paris-Orly to New York's JFK on June 19^th.  08-28-2008.

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