ARINC Adds In-Room TV Flight Information to Its microFIDS™ Flight Display Solution for Hotels

Smartphone Scanning and Way-Finding also Assist Guests

November 1, 2011

Annapolis—ARINC Incorporated today unveiled major new guest-friendly options for its popular microFIDS™ flight information system found in the lobbies, business centers, and reception areas of leading hotels.

The latest microFIDS feature is an in-room TV display capability that allows flight information to be shown directly on guest room TVs, over the hotel video system.

“In-room display of flight information is a major coup for hotels and guests,” says Chris Forrest, Managing Director, ARINC Managed Services. “Guests can now see whether their flights are delayed without leaving the room, avoiding a lot of hassle and stress.”

A second new option, Smartphone Scanning, automatically reads today’s 2D bar codes from smartphones or from standard paper boarding passes, and shows information for the desired flight. Weather information is also available using microFIDS.

Hotels are discovering that microFIDS flight information displays can enhance their bookings, since guests may decide to stay at the hotel when flights are cancelled, or linger when flights are delayed. The microFIDS system can also display paid third-party ads, or in-house promotions for hotel food, beverage or spa services—one more path to increased incremental revenue.

Also announced today is a unique new microFIDS feature: way-finding capability. Guests, passengers and travelers can use this feature to locate their destination inside large hotels, convention centers, or airports. “Way-finding with microFIDS is another way today’s customer-centric organizations can better serve their clientele,” notes Forrest. “It clearly shows guests and travelers how to find airport gates or hotel conference rooms, saving them time and decreasing frustration.”

A user-friendly management tool, iSmart™, allows facility personnel to easily configure the microFIDS arrival, departure, and airport screens, to manage paid advertising, and to control other features such as 2D bar code scanning. ARINC’s wireless microFIDS solution requires only a power cord and wireless network access to operate. It is designed to use standard COTS screens, so hotels can place real-time flight displays wherever desired with minimum hardware and installation costs.

“We made it a priority for microFIDS to be hassle-free and easy for non-technical personnel to operate,” adds Forrest. “Everything is wireless and web-based. The iSmart management tool gives users complete control over what’s displayed and when. And behind the scenes, ARINC handles all system maintenance. That’s a balance of control and support our customers really value.”

ARINC Incorporated, a portfolio company of The Carlyle Group, provides communications, engineering and integration solutions for commercial, defense and government customers worldwide. Headquartered in Annapolis, Maryland with regional headquarters in London and Singapore, ARINC is ISO 9001:2008 certified.

Release: 11-105

Back to top

Share: