Existing Systems Upgraded to Improve Passenger Productivity and Convenience
PHOENIX, March 13 /PRNewswire-Asia/ -- Honeywell (NYSE: HON) announced today that it has provided upgraded satellite communications equipment to Malaysia Airlines to allow passengers to use mobile phones and personal digital assistants (PDAs) while on selected Malaysia Airlines flights as part of a pilot program through mid-2009.
Passengers can use their mobile and data phone services while the plane is in the cruise phase of flight and not impact aircraft systems and ground telecommunication networks.
Malaysia Airlines Boeing 777 aircraft are already outfitted with Honeywell’s SATCOM communications systems to provide passengers and crew instant digital voice and data communications, as well as flight deck connectivity with air traffic control. Recent routine maintenance checks provided an opportunity to implement the new lightweight data services capability, for cost-effective and seamless connectivity. The European Aviation Safety Agency and the Malaysian Department of Civil Aviation provided aviation safety approvals.
“The Honeywell in-flight communications system is a tremendous advancement in improving passenger productivity and convenience,” said Mike Madsen, Honeywell Vice President of Airlines. “Honeywell is able to deliver this enhanced capability that supports passenger cell phone and Blackberry(TM) use very easily and at a low cost for Malaysia Airlines. The architecture of our systems allows for easy installation and future upgrades can be completed quickly, with minimal downtime for the aircraft.”
Honeywell’s HD710 High Speed Data SATCOM unit replaces the High Power Amplifier (HPA) with a unit that contains both the HPA and a high-speed data unit. Currently, the unit will have two Swift64 High-Speed Data Channels, each channel with a capacity of 64Kbits/second. In the future, the same system will be upgraded to two Swift Broadband Channels with a total capacity of 864Kbits/second.
Honeywell International is a $37 billion diversified technology and manufacturing leader, serving customers worldwide with aerospace products and services; control technologies for buildings, homes and industry; automotive products; turbochargers; and specialty materials. Based in Morris Township, N.J., Honeywell’s shares are traded on the New York, London and Chicago Stock Exchanges. For additional information, please visit http://www.honeywell.com .
Based in Phoenix, Honeywell’s aerospace business is a leading global provider of integrated avionics, engines, systems and service solutions for aircraft manufacturers, airlines, business and general aviation, military, space and airport operations.
This release contains forward-looking statements as defined in Section 21E of the Securities Exchange Act of 1934, including statements about future business operations, financial performance and market conditions. Such forward-looking statements involve risks and uncertainties inherent in business forecasts as further described in our filings under the Securities Exchange Act.
