ATLANTA, Sept. 20, 2004 (PRIMEZONE) -- EMS Technologies, Inc. (Nasdaq:ELMG) announced today that its Space & Technology/Atlanta Division has received an order for additional Direct Broadcast Satellite (DBS) antenna systems from LiveTV, LLC, a wholly owned subsidiary of JetBlue Airways Corporation (Nasdaq:JBLU). The contract modification has a market value of $8.55 million, and includes development of a third antenna configuration for LiveTV.
The first antenna configuration currently enables JetBlue Airways and Frontier Airlines to provide the only DIRECTV(R) service available on domestic airlines. The second configuration is currently in service on WestJet Airlines providing Bell ExpressVU in Canada. This third configuration is being developed for the 100 new EMBRAER E190 aircraft that JetBlue ordered in June 2003.
"As the sole provider of DIRECTV(R) programming to domestic airlines, we are pleased to continue our partnership with EMS Technologies for the latest antenna development and production," said Jeff Frisco, Vice President of LiveTV, LLC. "The LiveTV system historically offers 99.6 percent availability to the passenger, so high performance and reliability are absolutes for our antenna partner, and EMS Technologies has delivered to these rigorous requirements."
LiveTV provides turnkey entertainment services to commercial airlines, including installation, maintenance, certification and programming to bring the at-home entertainment experience to every seat.
"Our valued partnership with LiveTV and JetBlue Airways continues to provide great opportunities for EMS to advance our satellite communications antenna system technologies. We are once again pleased to be providing new, innovative antenna systems for these innovative airlines," remarked Jay Grove, senior vice president and general manager of EMS Technologies' Space & Technology/Atlanta Division.
About LiveTV
LiveTV is an innovative provider of in-flight entertainment products and services such as DIRECTV(R), Bell ExpressVu, XM Satellite Radio, wireless aircraft data link services, in-seat video systems and cabin surveillance systems for commercial aircraft. LiveTV is a wholly- owned subsidiary of JetBlue Airways Corporation (Nasdaq:JBLU). For more information, visit LiveTV on the World Wide Web at www.livetvifs.com.
About EMS Technologies, Inc.
EMS Technologies, Inc. (Nasdaq:ELMG) is a leading innovator in the design and manufacture of wireless, satellite and defense electronics solutions, focusing its unique range of advanced technologies on the needs of broadband and mobile information users. Headquartered in Atlanta, EMS employs approximately 1,600 people worldwide, with manufacturing facilities in Atlanta, Ottawa, Montreal and Brazil.
EMS Technologies' Space & Technology/Atlanta Division develops advanced technology hardware for military and space applications. The Division provides commercial and military customers with critical subsystems and components for terrestrial, airborne and space-based communication, RADAR and electronic warfare systems. With EMS hardware, military customers benefit from the industry's most advanced surveillance, electronic counter-measure and secure communications capabilities. For more information, visit EMS on the World Wide Web at www.ems-t.com.