*AirClaims

Airclaims changed the name of its information and consultancy division to Ascend. The company also launched a new online aviation database AIR earlier this year. Ascend remains part of the Airclaims Group.

*AirNet

AirNet Systems (ANS) is selling its subsidiary Jetride, Inc. to Pinnacle Air, an executive jet charter and fixed base operator, for $41 million in cash. Pinnacle Air is not associated with Pinnacle Airlines. The deal includes AirNet's passenger charter business, encompassing the aircraft and the aircraft-related assets of Jetride. The proceeds are expected to repay about $29 million of debt secured by Jetride aircraft, in addition to reducing other debt.

*ARINC

Porter Airlines tapped ARINC's GLOBALink VHF data link service for its operational communications. The applications include OpCenter for web-enabled air and ground message management and automated delivery of air traffic predeparture clearances, which also affords up-to-the-minute arrival and departure airport conditions and weather information directly to the cockpit. The suite includes WebASD, flight following for real-time graphical weather and positioning information and AviNet, a secure global ground network to carry Porter's mission-critical traffic to industry and air traffic partners with IBM MQ message assurance.

*ATR

ATR tapped A.J. Walter Aviation as an approved parts and component supplier for the ATR 42 and ATR 72 aircraft through February 2009.

EADS Barfield launched work covered under a new contract with ATR for the test, repair and overhaul of a large variety of avionics, instruments and mechanical components for the ATR 42 and 72 airliners.