Two Regional Airlines Renew Datalink Contracts with ARINC

U.S. regional carriers, ExpressJet Airlines and SkyWest Airlines, have renewed their VHF datalink contracts with ARINC.  SkyWest will deploy several new higher capacity VDL (VHF digital link) Mode 2 applications as well with ARINC's support.

Most of SkyWest's aircraft now have VDL Mode 2 avionics installed as standard equipment, so it is working with ARINC on a multi-year implementation plan to implement new data services to take advantage of this capability, using ARINC's nationwide network.  The airlines' first new applications are intended to improve the delivery of preflight information and the downlinking of real-time maintenance information.

SkyWest has almost 250 aircraft, all of which use ARINC's GLOBALlink ACARS service.  But now many of its planes, such as its new CRJ-700s, have VDL Mode 2 capability.

SkyWest Airlines operates flights for Delta and United.  ExpressJet operates its 274 aircraft as Continental Express.  05-14-2006.

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