25 August 2009

Dubai Freezone Based ARINC Defies Downturn, Posts Turnover of US$ 80 Million

---

ARINC, a world leader in transportation, communication and system engineering has defied the global economic downturn as its Dubai office posted a US$ 80 million turnover last year.

With headquarters in Annapolis, Maryland, USA and a regional office at the Dubai Airport Freezone, there is no slowing down with ARINC who has won major infrastructure projects in the Middle East. The company is upbeat over its growth prospects at a time when most companies are reeling under a credit crunch.

ARINC develops and operates communications and information processing systems and provides systems engineering and integration solutions to five key industries, airports, aviation, defense, government and surface transportation.

The Dubai operation of ARINC was set up in 2003 and it looks after operation of the entire Middle East and North Africa. Since then it has achieved year-on-year growth and won the region's major airport system integration contracts for Dubai, Doha, and Cairo Airports. Contributing about eight per cent of the group's operation

Mr. Paul Hickox, Regional Director of ARINC Middle East Europe and Africa said "In the region our focus is on aviation sector but we also do some projects for defense and military. The core business of Dubai operation is to provide airport integration and management services to major airports in the region."

He added that in the region ARINC provides aircraft satellite and VHF communication facilities to Emirates and Etihad fleet in the UAE and global network communication solutions to a number of airlines in the region. In the defense sector "We handle procurement and fit out of helicopters for anti-terrorist division of Iraqi air force."

Mr. Ibrahim Ahli, Director, Marketing and Corporate Communications of Dubai Airport Freezone said, "ARINC's success in the Middle East is proof that this region is the least affected by the economic downturn in the world. With the recent surge in the price of oil, governments in the region will continue to spend on infrastructure development and public works projects. The Dubai Airport Freezone offers a strategic hub for companies like ARINC to access markets in the Gulf and Middle East."

AeroMobile, a sister company of ARINC offers mobile telecommunication facilities on board Emirates' 34 aircraft including its Boeing 777s, Airbus 330, and Airbus 360. This service enables passengers to stay connected with people on ground through phone calls SMS and emails.