COVINGTON, La., Feb. 23, 2016 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) -- Globalstar, Inc. (NYSE MKT:GSAT) and Avidyne Corporation, a leading provider of integrated avionics and ADS-B systems for general aviation aircraft, today announced a strategic partnership to develop and certify satellite-based internet and voice communications products for the aviation market. These new solutions, to be exclusively provided by Avidyne to aircraft manufacturers and through Avidyne’s worldwide dealer network, will leverage Globalstar’s second-generation satellite network, boasting the fastest data speeds in the MSS industry.
A photo accompanying this announcement is available at http://www.globenewswire.com/NewsRoom/AttachmentNg/218a9506-11ff-42c1-bd2d-13debc32331e
Aircraft operators and owner flown aircraft around the world will soon have on board access via satellite to low cost internet access products and services with significantly higher data speeds on Globalstar’s new network for light to medium business and general aviation aircraft. Backup communication systems for larger business aircraft that are also equipped with a high bandwidth satcom or air-to-ground (ATG) communications system will also be available.
For users of subscription streaming aviation weather services in North America, these new products will offer more flexible and powerful methods to receive weather information using the full range of internet weather websites and aviation tablet applications now available. For aviators in Europe and other regions, these new solutions will provide the first ability to get airborne access to the full range of internet weather products at a cost that is affordable for smaller businesses and owner flown aircraft. Aviation application developers will have access to new capabilities including real-time weather information, flight tracking and integration into flight department operations centers.
“We are thrilled to join forces with Globalstar to bring innovative new communications solutions to the global aviation market,” commented Dan Schwinn, Avidyne’s President & CEO. “By leveraging their new Sat-Fi® technology, second-generation satellite network and the ground infrastructure upgrades due to go live in the next few months, together we will provide increased aircraft connectivity for our customers at unrivaled value. I expect that mass adoption of airborne internet hotspots across the full range of GA and business aviation aircraft will spur a host of innovative mobile device and cloud based applications that will enhance aircraft safety and utility in ways we can’t currently imagine.”
Jay Monroe, Chairman and CEO of Globalstar also stated, “We are laser-focused on continuing to make Globalstar the market leader for the growing data communications needs around the world. This partnership represents another step forward in that endeavor as we find ways to adapt our technology to the needs of the aviation sector.”
Announcements for specific new certified Wi-Fi-enabled products and services will be forthcoming.
About Globalstar, Inc.
Globalstar is a leading provider of mobile satellite voice and data services, leveraging the world’s newest mobile satellite communications network. Customers around the world in industries like government, emergency management, marine, logging, oil & gas and outdoor recreation rely on Globalstar to conduct business smarter and faster, maintain peace of mind and access emergency personnel. Globalstar data solutions are ideal for various asset and personal tracking, data monitoring and SCADA applications. The Company's products include mobile and fixed satellite telephones, the innovative Sat-Fi satellite hotspot, Simplex and Duplex satellite data modems, tracking devices and flexible service packages. For more information, visit www.globalstar.com.
Note that all SPOT products described in this press release are the products of SPOT LLC, which is not affiliated in any manner with Spot Image of Toulouse, France or Spot Image Corporation of Chantilly, Virginia. For more information, visit www.globalstar.com.
About Avidyne Corporation (www.avidyne.com)
Avidyne’s continuing leadership in innovation and its Flying Made Simple™ system design make flying safer, more accessible and more enjoyable for pilots and their passengers. The company offers a full line of panel-mounted avionics including their new IFD540 and IFD440 FMS/GPS/NAV/COM, AMX240 audio panel, and DFC90 digital flight control systems. With a complete range of ADS-B products, including the AXP322 and AXP340 Mode S Transponders with ADS-B Out, the MLB100 and TAS-A with ADS-B In, and the IFD540 and IFD440 GPS position sources, Avidyne provides complete support for the worldwide Nexgen ATC surveillance upgrade. Headquartered in Melbourne, FL, the company has additional facilities in Westerville, OH, and Lincoln, MA.