Air Logistics Selects Iridium for Helicopter Tracking and Communications


BETHESDA, Md. - June 7, 2007 - Iridium® Satellite today announced that Air Logistics, one of the largest U.S. helicopter fleets serving the offshore oil industry, is equipping 125 aircraft with Iridium-based satellite systems for voice communications and automatic flight following.

Sky Connect, an Iridium value-added manufacturer and reseller, will install its Mission Management Unit (MMU) on Air Logistics' helicopters operating in the Gulf of Mexico and Alaska. The MMU provides voice, tracking and text messages via the Iridium constellation with a single-switch control.

Using preprogrammed text report functions, the MMU will allow Air Logistics crew members to send standard messages and flight plans, including the number of passengers or current fuel load.

"Helicopter fleets represent a rapidly growing market for Iridium," said Greg Ewert, executive vice president of Iridium Satellite. "Iridium's fully meshed satellite network offers a unique combination of global gap-free coverage, high-quality voice and low-latency data links, using lightweight, low-drag antenna arrays. Iridium's partners, such as Sky Connect, have developed a wide range of cost-effective satellite voice and data solutions for aeronautical communication requirements."

"We worked closely with the Sky Connect team to develop the ideal solution for our mission," said Pat Graves, director of operations, Air Logistics. "The features developed will translate into more efficient communications, thereby economizing our operating costs and allowing us to better serve our clients."

"This is one of the industry's largest-ever tracker product sales and underscores the importance of these systems to the marketplace and the real-world solutions they provide," said Wiley Loughran, Sky Connect's senior vice president of sales and marketing. "It's been a privilege to partner with an industry-leading operator such as Air Logistics."

About Iridium Satellite

Iridium Satellite LLC (www.iridium.com) is the only provider of truly global satellite voice and data solutions with complete coverage of the earth (including oceans, airways and Polar Regions). Iridium delivers essential communications services to and from remote areas where no other form of communication is available. The Iridium constellation consists of 66 low-earth orbiting (LEO), cross-linked satellites and has multiple in-orbit spares. The constellation operates as a fully meshed network and is the largest commercial satellite constellation in the world. The Iridium service is ideally suited for industries such as maritime, aviation, government/military, emergency/humanitarian services, mining, forestry, oil and gas, heavy equipment, transportation and utilities. Iridium provides service to the U.S. Department of Defense. The company also designs, builds and sells its services, products and solutions through a worldwide network of more than 150 partners.

About Air Logistics

Air Logistics, part of the Bristow Group, provides helicopter services, maintenance and other support services to the oil and gas industry. Air Logistics operates a premium fleet of more than 170 single- and twin-turbine helicopters in the United States. The company offers flight services from 13 strategic locations across the Gulf of Mexico stretching from Rockport, Texas to Venice, La.

About Bristow Group

The Bristow Group (www.bristowgroup.com) is a truly global organization, working together from facilities around the world to offer a wide-ranging array of services. The Bristow Group, through its brand names Air Logistics and Bristow Helicopters, provides helicopter transportation, maintenance, search and rescue, and related services to the offshore oil and gas industry as well as other business sectors.

About Sky Connect LLC

Sky Connect (.skyconnect.aero) offers a range of satellite-based tracking, text messaging and telephone systems for airborne, ground-based and marine applications in both the commercial and government markets. Sky Connect provides automated flight tracking with true worldwide coverage. Aircraft phone systems support headset interfaces plus corded or cordless handsets. Sky Connect uses the Iridium satellite network for complete Earth coverage and mission effectiveness.

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