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AirAsia and AirAsia X select Rockwell Collins for Airbus A320 and A330 avionics and component support service
SINGAPORE (February 19, 2008) - AirAsia and AirAsia X, a long-haul, low-cost affiliate of AirAsia, have selected a suite of Rockwell Collins avionics that
brings the total number of Rockwell Collins-equipped Airbus A320 and A330 aircraft for the air carriers to 115.
The selection comprises 60 new Airbus A320s. The agreement also calls for an option for 40 additional AirAsia A330 aircraft,
along with 15 AirAsia X A330 aircraft. The selection also includes a 15-year service agreement in which Rockwell Collins will
provide maintenance support at a set price per flight hour, billed on a single monthly invoice. Rockwell Collins also has
a previously announced service and support contract with AirAsia for 100 A320 aircraft.
"Rockwell Collins has worked closely with AirAsia to deliver a comprehensive package of advanced aviation electronics that
provide maximum value for their mission," said Jeff Standerski, vice president and general manager of Air Transport Systems
for Rockwell Collins. "Through this relationship, we are honored to help AirAsia deliver convenient, efficient and affordable
flights to their customer base."
Ken Estelle, vice president and general manager, Technical Service Solutions for Rockwell Collins, added, "We're pleased to
continue our tradition of providing AirAsia with a tailored service and support offering that will provide increased reliability
and enhanced efficiency to their operations."
Dato' Tony Fernandes, group chief executive officer of AirAsia said, "This agreement is an important component to support
our future aggressive route expansion plans over the next decade. It signifies our commitment to maintain a state-of-the-art
aircraft by incorporating one of the most advanced avionics and component support service in the aviation industry."
Azran Osman-Rani, chief executive officer of AirAsia X, also commented on the agreement.
"We are pleased with our selection of Rockwell Collins as our preferred avionics supplier for our new A330 fleet," he said.
"Proven reliability and low maintenance costs will assist us in becoming the leading long-haul low cost carrier with an excellent
safety record."
This avionics package consists of Rockwell Collins' award-winning MultiScan Hazard Detection™ System. MultiScan is the first
and only weather radar that analyzes and determines actual weather hazards, not simply atmospheric moisture content. MultiScan
is a fully automatic, hands-free airborne radar system with more than five years of proven operational experience. The system
reduces pilot workload and enhances safety and passenger comfort by minimizing unexpected turbulence encounters, and provides
optimal clutter-free weather detection from the nose of the aircraft to 320 nautical miles.
AirAsia and AirAsia X also selected the Rockwell Collins GLU-925 Multi-Mode Receiver (MMR), an integrated unit that provides
the aircraft's primary position, velocity and time reference, and enables precision landing capability. The advanced MMR also
offers instrument landing system capability and high-integrity, satellite-based positioning for navigation and future landing
functions. The GLU-924 MMR is designed to meet future air traffic management requirements while offering commonality across
fleet types.
The ADF-900 Automatic Direction Finder, DME-900 Distance Measuring Equipment, HFS-900D High Frequency System, CPL-920D Coupling
Unit and the VOR-900 VHF Omnidirectional Radio were also selected.
About AirAsia X
AirAsia X, an affiliate of AirAsia with shareholders including the Virgin Group, , is a low-cost long-haul airline launched
in January 2007, and commenced commercial services in November 2007. Having licensed its brand from AirAsia, AirAsia X's long-haul,
low-cost business model is built on sustainable and continued delivery of everyday low fares. Currently it flies 4 times weekly
to Gold Coast, Australia and 5 times weekly to Hangzhou, China. AirAsia X aims to cover destinations which are more than four
hours in flight duration from Kuala Lumpur, complementing the existing AirAsia network and offering daily point-to-point frequencies
to popular destinations in Australia, North Asia, India, the Middle East and Europe. AirAsia X enhances the in-flight experience
with a number of innovative services and comfortable seats new to the low-cost model.
About Rockwell Collins
Rockwell Collins (NYSE: COL) is a pioneer in the development and deployment of innovative communication and aviation electronic
solutions for both commercial and government applications. Our expertise in flight deck avionics, cabin electronics, mission
communications, information management, and simulation and training is delivered by 20,000 employees, and a global service
and support network that crosses 27 countries. To find out more, please visit www.rockwellcollins.com.
Media contacts
Pam Tvrdy pjtvrdy@rockwellcollins.com 319.295.0591
Dave Gosch djgosch@rockwellcollins.com 319.295.2908
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