ORLANDO, FLORIDA [NBAA 2006] -- October 18, 2006 -- Aircell, Inc. and MedAire, Inc. are pleased to announce the debut of Aircell's MedLink Service, a new program that offers access to inflight, on-demand medical assistance worldwide. Originally announced at EBACE 2006, Aircell's MedLink Service is now available to Aircell satcom customers that operate light and medium business aircraft.
Using speed dialing from their Aircell satcom system in flight, passengers and flight crews can talk directly to emergency room physicians at MedAire's 24/7 MedLink Global Response Center. With special training in remote airborne diagnosis and treatment, the physicians provide real-time medical advice to help people manage medical concerns occurring aboard their aircraft.
As the leader in providing remote medical advice to the aviation industry, MedAire handles more than 75 inflight incidents a day. "We're very pleased to provide Aircell customers with air-to-ground medical access," said Joan Sullivan Garrett, MedAire chairman and founder. "Now light and medium jet operators can access a service similar to what MedAire's heavy jet clients have experienced for 20 years," she said.
"Aircell's MedLink Service offers our customers affordable access to a potentially life-saving service, and we're pleased to be the only airborne telecommunications provider to offer it," said Bill Peltola, Aircell senior vice president, aviation sales and marketing."
Aircell customers can purchase Aircell's MedLink Service when they initially activate their Aircell satcom system or by calling 888.286.9876 (U.S.) or +1.303.379.0278 (worldwide). The optional service will be added to the customer's regular Aircell billing, so a single monthly invoice will continue to cover all their airborne telecommunications needs.
Since 1985, MedAire has provided a life-saving solution of remote medical expertise, education, and equipment for travelers in the aviation and maritime industries. The company prepares its clients with knowledge, confidence, and the right resources and advice to handle remote medical situations. Using 20 years of medical incident data, MedAire continuously develops up-to-date and internationally-compliant products and services to meet the unique needs of the remote traveler. MedAire's life-saving solution includes 24/7 direct telephonic access to board-certified physicians, medical education, medical kits and defibrillators. Based in Phoenix, AZ, MedAire is listed under MDE on the Australian Stock Exchange and can be found online at www.MedAire.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