FARNBOROUGH, England, July 18, 2006 (PRIMEZONE) -- EMS SATCOM, a division of EMS Technologies, Inc. (Nasdaq:ELMG), reported today that, in collaboration with Thales, it will provide high-speed mobile satellite communications systems to OnAir for use on Airbus aircraft. System deliveries, expected to start in late 2006, are estimated to be worth at least $30 million over the next five years. The systems will be used to provide in-flight cell phone and Internet service.
OnAir announced in 2005 that it had selected Inmarsat's SwiftBroadband services and Thales's SwiftBroadband equipment, based upon the functional advantages of the system. Light and compact, the transceiver and antenna are designed to meet the unique needs of air transport customers, and are expected to help the growth of Thales's and EMS SATCOM's air transport businesses.
"This is a significant breakthrough for EMS SATCOM in serving the broadband communication needs of the air-transport industry," said Senior Vice President and General Manager, Neil Mackay. "This confirms our decision to make strategic investments in satellite mobile communications, and we are enthusiastic about working with Thales."
"This is an important opportunity for both Thales and EMS SATCOM to deliver in-flight communications capabilities to air transport," said Vice President of Thales Aerospace Division, Commercial Aircraft Solutions, Gil Michielin. "We are pleased to be working with EMS SATCOM to deliver on the next generation in in-flight entertainment."
About EMS SATCOM
EMS SATCOM, based in Ottawa, Canada, specializes in the design and development of satellite-based terminals and antennas for the aeronautical, ground-mobile, maritime and emergency management markets. As the 2005 Frost & Sullivan Command and Control Enabling Technology of the Year award winner, the division is a leader in developing and supplying high-speed data communications equipment for enabling vital communications resources, such as voice, e-mail and Internet capabilities, to a broad variety of aircraft.
EMS SATCOM is a division of EMS Technologies, Inc. (Nasdaq:ELMG), a leading innovator in the design and manufacture of wireless, satellite and defense solutions.
For more information, visit the Company's website at www.emssatcom.com
NOTE TO EDITORS: Visit EMS SATCOM at the FARNBOROUGH AIRSHOW - Canadian Pavilion, Hall 4, Booth C17/E or visit our online press room at www.emssatcom.com/farnborough2006. Reporters can find images for this press release on www.emssatcom.com/farnborough2006/downloads.