PARIS, JUNE 14, 1999 — Aeronautical Communication International (ACI)—a joint venture of Airsys ATM, AlliedSignal, Honeywell, Sextant Avionique, and Sofreavia—announced today that it has completed on schedule the first of three phases of the Aeronautical Telecommunications Network (ATN) router software which will enable the new Free Flight environment.

The router software will determine the routing of digital data messages between aircraft and air traffic and airline personnel on the ground. Like similar routers used by long-distance telephone companies, the software will enable computers to select from among available satellites, land lines and other options to make sure messages reach their destinations.

Software modules were developed at four ACI member sites in France and the United States. ACI then integrated them and successfully tested the combined system in its facility in Toulouse, France.

This first phase of software development, constitutes approximately 40% of the router software and forms the foundation for the remaining functionality.

Free Flight, sometimes referred to as the Future Air Navigation System, or FANS, and alternatively as Communication Navigation Surveillance/Air Traffic Management, or CNS/ATM, is expected to lead to more efficient use of congested airspace. It is designed to allow operators to fly more-direct routes at more-fuel-efficient altitudes with less involvement from the ground air traffic system.

"This is an extremely important milestone in the development of the ATN," said ACI spokesman, Bob Kerr. "The on-schedule completion of the first build demonstrates our capability to deliver the finished router by our deadline in the first quarter of 2000."

ACI is developing the ATN Router protocols software under contract to ATN Systems Inc (ATNSI), an international consortium of twelve major airlines. In addition, ACI is independently developing the application service elements (CPDLC, ADS, FIS) and network management components necessary to support the needed functions for ATS communications. The software products are specifically designed for ease of portability and certification into both airborne and ground-based platforms, being developed to the guidelines of RTCA DO-178B for Level 2 (Flight Essential) software.

ACI was formed in 1997 as a joint venture of Airsys ATM, AlliedSignal, Honeywell, Sextant Avionique, and Sofreavia to develop and market key datalink communications products and services associated with the Aeronautical Telecommunications Network (ATN) for both airborne and ground applications. The partners of the joint venture bring significant experience of both airborne and ground-based aeronautical products and services to ACI.

ACI has offices in Paris and Toulouse, France; Phoenix, Ariz. and Redmond, Wash. in the United States.

More information on ACI can be found at their web site at http://www.aci-llc.com