AIRTEL ATN, an Irish software company, has been awarded a substantial dollar contract by ARINC Incorporated of Maryland, USA, to develop and supply software for the first ever use of Aeronautical Telecommunication Networks in the world aeronautical industry.

The Irish company beat off strong international competition to secure the deal which will see Airtel developing the software for a new system of airborne and aeronautical communication.

ATN is set to replace the traditional voice communication system used now between pilots and ground crews and pilots and other aircraft.

Airtel, which is based in Dublin, is expected to double its workforce of 25, by the end of the year.