Iridium Provides Satellite Communication Links for New Aircell Airborne Medical Assistance Program
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BETHESDA, Md.- August 14, 2006 - This quarter, AirCell, Inc., an Iridium service provider, in conjunction with MedAire, Inc., will launch a unique new service that offers in-flight, on-demand medical assistance from ground-based health experts through the Iridium satellite network.
Using one-touch dialing from the aircraft's AirCell Iridium satellite phone, the new service, marketed as MedLink Powered by AirCell, will allow flight crew and passengers to 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 any medical issues that occur during the flight.
"This unique new service leverages AirCell's extensive market base of installed Iridium satellite systems on light business aircraft, along with Iridium's seamless global coverage, to provide a vital new safety service to the general aviation community," said Don Thoma, executive vice president of Iridium Satellite. "This is an excellent example of how our service partners develop value-added solutions for niche markets."
"Being a one-stop shop for airborne telecommunications equipment, airtime and value-added services has been a very important part of AirCell's success," said Bill Peltola, AirCell vice president, sales and marketing. "MedLink Powered by AirCell offers our customers affordable access to a potentially life-saving tool, and we're pleased to add it to our suite of services."
As the leader in providing remote medical advice to the aviation industry, MedAire handles over 75 in-flight incident responses every day. "This unique opportunity gives MedAire access to the light jet market, which we have not traditionally pursued," said Jeffrey Gregorec, MedAire vice president of sales and marketing. "Many times, light jets, which make up the largest segment of the business aviation market, don't have the communications capability onboard to make contact with MedLink. Now we can extend this service to the thousands of light business aircraft already equipped with AirCell's Iridium phones.
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 100 partners.
About AirCell, Inc.
AirCell designs, manufactures, markets and supports a full line of airborne telecommunication systems for the business aviation, general aviation, government and air transport markets. The company's latest generation of products provides voice and data services for passengers and flight crews using the global Iridium Satellite system.
AirCell products are offered as standard or optional equipment by virtually every fixed- and rotor-wing airframe manufacturer in business aviation, and are installed aboard the world's three largest fractional ownership fleets - NetJets, Flight Options and CitationShares. AirCell (www.aircell.com) is a privately-held company headquartered in Louisville, Colo.
About MedAire, Inc.
Established in 1985, Phoenix, Arizona-based MedAire provides real-time, emergency medical expertise, education and equipment for companies with employees, customers or guests in remote environments. Clients include commercial airlines, corporate flight departments, maritime operators and government agencies. In providing clients a total health and security solution, MedAire also provides clients with related training, Web-based information and specialized resources such as medical and security kits. MedAire, listed under MDE on the Australian Stock Exchange, (ASX: MDE) can be found online at www.MedAire.com.
Liz DeCastro
Iridium Satellite LLC
Tel:+1-301-571-6257
liz.decastro@iridium.com
Jim Rhodes
Rhodes Communications
Tel:+1-757-451-0602
jrhodes@rhodescomm.com
