PALM SPRINGS, CA [AEA Annual Convention] – April 20, 2006 – Aircell, Inc. and EMS SATCOM, a division of EMS Technologies, Inc. (NASDAQ: ELMG), reported at the AEA Annual Convention today that the two companies are collaborating to ensure the compatibility of EMS SATCOM’s eNfusion™ HSD high-speed data terminals with the Aircell Axxess™ Satcom system.
Aircell Axxess provides the fundamental in-cabin architecture, including new color handsets, PBX functionality, and two Iridium links for voice & narrowband data. Combined with EMS SATCOM’s eNfusion HSD-128 or HSD-400 high-speed data terminal, operators can expect a comprehensive, broadband global communications solution via, dual channel or four channel Swift64 high-speed Inmarsat data links.
“We believe that combining the Aircell Axxess system and EMS SATCOM’s eNfusion terminals gives operators the best of all worlds in terms of high-speed connectivity, coverage and state-of-the-art technology,” said Jean Menard, director of commercial sales at EMS SATCOM. “And our alliance with Aircell is our commitment to ensure that operators can easily and seamlessly install and use the combined systems.”
“Our product lines and customer bases are highly complementary,” says said Bill Peltola, vice president, sales and marketing, at Aircell. “This is a logical, beneficial effort that will give customers the confidence that comes from EMS SATCOM and Aircell having formally validated and integrated these powerful communication systems. One of the original design principles of Aircell Axxess is to allow easy, plug-in expansion capabilities for high-speed Inmarsat data. Today’s announcement and our collaboration is an excellent example of that commitment.”
The technical teams at EMS SATCOM and Aircell will integrate and test the two systems to ensure seamless operation and full functionality. In addition, the two companies’ sales teams will be cross-trained to understand and promote each company’s respective products. Integration and testing are expected to be complete in May 2006 with the first “bundled” version of the system to be available immediately after.
EMS Technologies, Inc. (NASDAQ: ELMG) is a leading innovator in the design and manufacture of wireless, satellite and defense solutions, and focuses its unique range of advanced technologies on the needs of broadband and mobile information users. The Company is headquartered in Atlanta, has approximately 1,200 workers worldwide, and operates manufacturing facilities in Atlanta, Ottawa and Brazil.
EMS SATCOM, based in Ottawa, Canada, specializes in the design and development of satellite-based terminals and antennas for the aeronautical, land-mobile, maritime and emergency management markets. 2005 Frost & Sullivan Command and Control Enabling Technology of the Year award recipient, the division is a leader in developing and supplying high-speed data communications equipment for enabling vital communications resources such as voice, video, email and Internet capabilities to a broad variety of aircraft.
For more information, visit the company’s website at www.emssatcom.com.
Contact for EMS SATCOM:
Kate Murchison
+1.613.727.6277 x1415
murchison.k@emssatcom.com
Aircell® is the leader in global airborne telecommunications for the Business Aviation market. Its products are offered by virtually every fixed- and rotor-wing airframe manufacturer in business aviation, and are installed aboard the world’s four largest fractional ownership fleets. A single-source, turnkey provider of equipment, service, and technical support, Aircell simplifies airborne communications and keeps you In Touch, In Flight®.
The 2006 winner of the FCC’s exclusive broadband frequency license, Aircell is also pioneering a revolutionary new wireless broadband system for North America. Available only from Aircell, it will include robust Wi-Fi hotspots that enable airline passengers to surf the Internet, use e-mail, and log on to their corporate VPN’s using their personal 802.11a/b/g-equipped Wi-Fi data devices. The system will also offer airline operational communications capabilities and provide a path to a wealth of future cabin services.
Set for introduction in 2008, the new broadband service will also be available to business aircraft operators, offering a similar set of features.
Aircell (www.aircell.com) has facilities in Louisville, Colorado, and Itasca, Illinois, USA.
Tom Myers
Aircell, Inc.
+1.303.379.0237
tmyers@aircell.com