Starling Selects EMS Defense & Space Systems to Manufacture and Market Antenna System for In-Flight Applications in the U.S.
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WASHINGTON, D.C. and YOQNEAM, Israel, February 6 -- Starling Advanced Communication Ltd., a provider of innovative Ku-band antenna systems for in-flight applications, today announced the signing of a Memorandum of Agreement (MOA) with EMS Defense & Space Systems (D&SS), a division of EMS Technologies, Inc. to develop, manufacture and market a new competitive ultra-fast satellite-based Ku-band airborne antenna system for the U.S. commercial airline in-flight communications (IFC) market.
Under the agreement, Starling and EMS's Defense & Space Systems (D&SS) Division will cooperate to supply highly advanced and cost effective two-way low profile broadband antenna systems for airlines. Today, EMS Direct Broadcast Satellite (DBS) antenna systems, sold through LiveTV, deliver multiple channels of live television programming to passengers flying on Jet Blue Airways, Westjet, Virgin Atlantic and other airlines.
The new revolutionary, collaborative, cost-effective antenna meets the unique challenges of airborne broadband communications. It combines an ultra-lightweight (45lb - 20kg) and low- profile antenna (diameter 30'' - 75 cm, height 6" - 15 cm) with very high-speed data rates. The new antenna will provide full global coverage, will be very easy to install, and will be suitable for wide body and narrow body aircraft.
"The alliance with EMS is a strategic milestone in the history of Starling, indicating the company's penetration of the U.S. market," said Micha Lawrence, founder and CEO of Starling. "The agreement reflects the increasing demand in the United States for reliable and cost-effective airborne broadband antenna systems for airlines. By joining forces, EMS D&SS and Starling are driving the availability of a highly advanced technological solution that can support an ever broadening set of uses."
"We are proud to have been selected by Starling to take this innovative product to U.S. airlines. We have substantial capability within the commercial IFE market - a market that is beginning to form as evidenced by several recent airline announcements. We are confident that our customers will see the value of the combined Starling-EMS solution and that we will build on our antenna technology leadership in the emerging Ku-band arena," said David Smith, vice president and general manager of EMS D&SS.
Airlines are now considering the use of broadband communication as a strategic asset. This partnership will open new horizons for air travelers, enabling full-featured broadband in-flight applications, such as the Internet, VPN, PDA, VoIP, e-mail, mobile phones, video conferencing, instant messaging and various entertainment applications, including video-on-demand, live TV, online gaming and multimedia applications.
About Starling Advanced Communication
Founded in 2003, Starling is a public company listed on the Tel Aviv Stock Exchange (TASE: STLG). Starling develops and manufactures next generation compact, low profile Satellite based antenna systems that enable full-featured broadband connectivity on mobile platforms. Starling's first product is MIJET - an antenna system of a family of two-way Ku band antenna systems for aircraft. The MIJET family antennas are expected to enable broadband in-flight entertainment and personal communications not currently available in commercial aircraft.
Starling's largest shareholders include Elron Electronic Industries (NASDAQ: ELRN), Rafael Development Corporation, and Elbit Systems (NASDAQ: ESLT). For more information about the company visit starling-com.com.
Source: Starling Advanced Communication
Starling Advanced Communication Contact: Michal Rips-Rosenzwieg, Marcom Director, Starling Advanced Communication, Tel.: +972-4-9597370 ext 103, Mobile: +972-52-5521520, e-mail: michalr@starling-com.com;
David Kanaan, Kanaan Public Relations, Tel.: +972-3-5408188, e-mail: david@kanaan.co.il
