GLOBALink^SM Services

In an increasingly complex flight operations environment, controlling and reducing costs while improving operational capability is a major challenge. ARINC's solution—GLOBALink^SM —is a seamless, end-to-end data link system that enables air crews to communicate and exchange information with ground crews and airline host systems anywhere in the world and without interruption. Data link provides clear, accurate, unambiguous data communications directly to the crew, either via the cockpit multifunctional control display unit or printer. It also stores messages, so the crew can go back and check instructions. Compared with voice communications, data link improves flight deck processes and increases efficiency.

GLOBALink consists of three integrated and totally transparent communications technologies:

• GLOBALink/VHF – Provides cost-effective, highly reliable data link service throughout all of North and Central America and most of Europe and Asia. This is the primary technology behind the Aircraft Communications Addressing and Reporting System (ACARS^®) used for airline operational control and, increasingly, air traffic control communications around the world. ARINC has enhanced the existing VHF ACARS service with its VHF Digital Link Mode 2 (VDLM2) service which provides a digital data link solution that delivers air/ground and ground/ground communications over 10 times faster than the standard ACARS rate. In addition to greater bandwidth, VDLM2 provides tremendous user flexibility, including complete freedom of choice in aircraft and ground display systems, avionics, and applications.
• GLOBALink/Satellite – Expands the global data link capabilities of GLOBALink/VHF, enabling real-time reporting of departures, destinations, movement times, engine parameters, delays, aircraft position, maintenance, and winds aloft. It also enables crisp, clear crew and passenger voice communications from the aircraft.
• GLOBALink/HF – Expands the coverage area of GLOBALink/VHF to the remotest regions of the world, including polar operations above 80° north latitude, where satellite coverage is not possible.

These services also provide the foundation for extending data link capability to the Aeronautical Telecommunications Network and, in the future, air traffic management systems.