RotorCraft Leasing of Broussard, La., has ordered 50 Sky Connect TRACKER systems, with an option for 50 more, for its fleet of Bell and Sikorsky helicopters. The equipment will help RotorCraft Leasing track and communicate with helicopter crews as they perform demanding missions in the Gulf Coast region. The system will include a satellite telephone link for voice and message capability.  The value of the contract is approximately $600,000.

The Rotorcraft Leasing order follows the sale of 75 systems (with an option for 50 more) to Era Aviation of Lake Charles, La.  Twenty of those systems are already in operation.

Sky Connect is the leading manufacturer of Iridium-based aircraft tracking and telephone systems for rotorcraft, fixed-wing, and marine applications.  

"RotorCraft Leasing is a growing enterprise with an excellent reputation," said Wiley Loughran, senior vice president, sales and marketing for Sky Connect. "We look forward to a strong partnership." 

" We selected Sky Connect because we think it is the most user friendly equipment and because it gives us the ability to receive from the aircraft all the necessary information for a standard flight plan," said Gerry Golden, general manager of Rotorcraft Leasing.

Loughran said the devastating hurricanes of 2005 may have boosted the market for satellite-based communication and tracking systems.  "Operators using satellite-based communication were not affected, but many of those with land-based systems were grounded."

The Sky Connect tracking system provides operators with real-time knowledge of all airborne, shipborne or ground assets, improving peace or mind and enhancing safety, especially for those who operate in remote or high-risk areas.  Operators can view the location, track and status of an entire fleet under any circumstances. The system also delivers quality voice communications.  More than 1,500 aircraft around the world are flying with Sky Connect equipment. 

About Sky Connect LLC

Sky Connect offers a range of satellite-based tracking and telephone systems for rotorcraft, fixed-wing, ground-based, and marine applications in both the commercial and government markets. The Sky Connect TRACKER provides seamless global flight tracking with true worldwide pole-to-pole coverage. Phone systems range from a cordless cabin-class handset to an integrated sat-phone systems that communicate through the headset. Any Sky Connect satellite phone may be equipped with the TRACKER using the same transceiver and a single antenna. Sky Connect uses the Iridium satellite network for maximum coverage and effectiveness.

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For more information, contact:
Wiley Loughran, 703-404-4400, Ext. 106
E-mail: wloughran@skyconnect.aero

Web: www.skyconnect.aero