Greenwich AeroGroup to provide Iridium OpenPort broadband to business aviation

MELBOURNE, Fla. 17 May 2012. Greenwich AeroGroup, Inc. and its affiliates have agreed to sell, support and install the Iridium OpenPort-AeroSM broadband aviation communications system. Iridium OpenPort-Aero is an aviation broadband solution that works for passengers requiring smartphone, tablet or laptop connectivity.

This arrangement extends Iridium OpenPort-Aero into the business, government and military markets. The Iridium OpenPort service enables data and voice communications through Iridium Communications Inc. (Nasdaq: IRDM), an operator of a large satellite network. A lightweight aviation antenna design for the Iridium OpenPort broadband maritime system enables global aircraft connectivity.

Iridium OpenPort-Aero is designed for operators who want aircraft voice and data connectivity without geographical limits. LiveTV, a subsidiary of JetBlue Airways Corp. and Greenwich Aerogroup Inc., designed the antenna footprint and profile to fit business jets and turboprop aircraft. It can also be used inrotorcraft as the antenna can access Iridium satellites on the horizon, avoiding potential rotor interference.

Iridium OpenPort-Aero is designed to also operate on Iridium’s next generation satellite constellation, Iridium NEXT, which is planned for launch in 2015. It also is planned to support GATM/FANS 1A communications requirements ahead of related navigational requirements going into effect.

Greenwich AeroGroup will provide initial certification, sales and installation support for the Iridium OpenPort-Aero product line at its Atlantic Aero location in Greensboro, N.C., its Western Aircraft location in Boise, Idaho or Summit Aviation in Middletown, Del. Additional qualified MRO service providers in will be added to the list of sales, installation, and support facilities after the first Supplemental Type Certificate (STC) is completed. The initial installations are scheduled to begin in third quarter of 2012.