Rockwell Collins has acquired Virginia, USA-based International Communications Group (ICG), so broadening its flight deck and cabin connectivity portfolio.
ICG is a provider of satellite-based global voice and data communication products and services for the aviation industry.
Rockwell Collins said in a statement that the initial purchase price was $50 million and “additional post-closing consideration of up to $14 million may be paid”.
Kent Statler, executive vice president and chief operating officer, Commercial Systems for Rockwell Collins, said: “This acquisition broadens our portfolio of information-enabled avionics by adding ICG’s latest generation of Iridium satcom terminals and smart routers to our existing flight deck and cabin connectivity offerings.
“When coupled with our broad array of network solutions, including our ARINC aviation networks and other satellite communication services, it accelerates our vision of being a leader in end-to-end information management solutions for airlines and business jet operators.”
It says ICG’s products and services will be integrated into Rockwell Collins’ Commercial Systems portfolio.
ICG has recently been developing Iridium use for safety services. In July it announced it had successful completed the installation of an ICG NxtLink Series ICS-220A Flight Deck satellite system, operating over Iridium, on an Airbus A330-200 operated by Thomas Cook Airlines.
The aircraft, one of 30 currently operated by Thomas Cook Airlines, achieved FANS-1/A over Iridium (FOI) compliance and is now eligible to fly North Atlantic tracks restricted to FANS-1/A operational aircraft only.
In May it also received European Aviation Safety Agency (EASA) approval for an Inmarsat Swift Broadband system modification performed by RUAG Aviation on a Bombardier Global Express that incorporated an ICG ERT-120 eRouter.
The modification included an upgrade of a Rockwell Collins SAT-2100/-6100 dual channel Satcom Swift64 to a dual channel Swift Broadband installation as well as the replacement of the originally installed WLU-2100 Wi-Fi access point to the ICG eRouter.
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