RFID set to become standard for airline suppliers

AIM Global, the trade association for the Automatic Identification and Mobility industry, will be the RFID association sponsor for a series of symposiums worldwide to build consensus about standards for utilizing Radio Frequency Identification (RFID) technology on commercial airplanes.
Boeing and Airbus have agreed to collaborate on developing common part marking and automated data collection requirements and are jointly moving towards RFID implementation based on the Air Transport Association (ATA) SPEC 2000 automated identification and data capture guidelines.
‘RFID offers the aviation industry many proven benefits, with the ultimate objective being continued safety, airworthiness and operational efficiencies for commercial airplanes,’ Kenneth D. Porad, Program Manager, Automated Identification Program for Boeing Commercial Airplanes, said. "By working together, Boeing and Airbus benefit by avoiding conflicting requirements with mutual customers and suppliers. It is critically vital to have AIM's support and involvement on this initiative as they are the global RFID Industry trade association."
RFID involves 'smart label' identification tags installed throughout an airplane that store data including part and serial numbers, manufacturer codes, country of origin, date of installation and maintenance and inspection information. The tags contain a microchip and antenna and offer significant advantages over similar technologies, including no line-of-sight requirement for data transmission and a dynamic read/write capability.
The events will offer detailed background information on recently completed in-service evaluations of RFID technology and will address industry concerns such as interference, certification, and standards.
 
The Forums are June 8-9 in Atlanta, August 10-11 in Hong Kong, and October 19-20 in Munich.
 
For complete details and to register for any of the Forums, please visit: http://www.globalaviationrfidforum.com/