Global ePoint’s Global AirWorks Aviation Division Awarded $7.3 Million Contract from Leading South American Airline for Aircraft Equipment and Services
The Avianca Airlines Places Orders Driven by Security and Fuel Reduction Needs
CITY OF INDUSTRY, Calif.--(BUSINESS WIRE)--Aug. 8, 2005--Global ePoint, Inc. (Nasdaq: GEPT - News) a leading manufacturer of security technologies for the aviation, law enforcement, industrial and commercial markets, today announced that Global AirWorks, its Aviation Division, has been awarded a $7.3 million contract by Avianca Airlines, a leading South American airline, to purchase a variety of aviation related equipment and services, including the CDSS Cockpit Door Surveillance Systems (CDSS), In Flight Entertainment systems (IFE), the Electronic Flight Bag/Class I (EFB 1), In-Seat Laptop Computer Power Systems and various cabin refurbishment for Avianca’s fleet of Boeing 767, 757 and MD-83 aircraft. The Airline has already placed the initial orders under the agreement. The suite of products and services are expected to enhance airline security and lower fuel consumption.
The CDSS was introduced shortly after September 11, 2001 as a means for flight crews to visually survey and monitor situations all throughout an aircraft -- before take-off, during flight and after landing -- without having to leave the secure cockpit environment. The system utilizes up to 16 mini-cameras and touch-control LCD inter-active monitor screens to quickly detect, assess and manage in-flight security -- whether in response to smoke in the cargo hold or an attendant’s call from the passenger cabin.
Global AirWorks’ system upgrades are designed to improve performance and operating efficiency. Highlights include the new “Class I Electronic Flight Bag, a compact 80 gigabyte portable tablet which allows the addition of software and applications to provide navigational and performance charts, weight and balance information and all operating manuals digitalized to provide a true “paperless cockpit,” eliminating the need for heavy paper manuals required to operate aircraft. The new Flight Bag will reduce fuel burn as a result of weight savings enhance cockpit performance by way of ease in crew workload and reduce in the time necessary to revise older paper manuals.
The Airline has also agreed to purchase the recently introduced In-Flight Entertainment System, featuring a Global AirWorks Media Max digital audio/video server and state-of-the-art LCD screens. The System not only improves viewing quality, but by replacing old projection systems and heavy Cathode Ray Tube (CRT) screens, it eliminates 300 pounds of weight per aircraft generating approximately $300,000 of annual fuel savings per aircraft.
The new IFE system ranges from $150,000 to $335,000 per plane depending on the size of the aircraft. Over 5,000 aircraft are currently operating with older technology projector systems and CRT’s, making them perfect candidates for the high quality digital viewing and weight savings derived from the new Global AirWorks In Flight Entertainment System.
“The CDSS offers a unique solution for the security needs of airlines,” said Global AirWorks Division President, Ricky Frick. “Our goal is to continue to combine our expertise in aviation security with leading edge technology to provide solutions to meet the needs of our customers. The IFE and EFB systems are a prime example of the value added solutions to not only improve passenger safety and security but deliver weight saving features in passenger enhancements to the cabin area, as airlines continue to seek solutions to improve passenger service while cutting expenses on the high cost of fuel.”
“We are very pleased with each of our new products and the selection of both of these recently released items by Avianca,” added Mr. Frick. “After September 11th, many airlines deferred traditional interior work and upgrades designed to attract business class and frequent flyer customers. As airlines begin to spend money again in this area, AirWorks offers solutions to the pressing problems carriers face.”
About Avianca Airlines
Founded in 1919, Avianca Airlines headquartered in Bogota, Columbia, was the first commercial airline established in the Americas and the second one in the world. Due to the precision of its technical and operational procedures, Avianca has been consistently awarded the most important international certifications that endorse the quality of its procedures and security standards.About Global ePoint’s Aviation Division
The Company’s Aviation Division includes Global AirWorks, whose primary communications and security products include the Cockpit Door Surveillance System (CDSS), a digital electronic “flight bag” of all flight and on-board manuals and records for pilots and a Laptop Computer Power System for passengers and flight crews. AirWorks customers include airline major OEMs, such as AT&T; Aviation, BAE Systems, In-flight Phone, L3 Communications, and Rockwell Collins; all major U.S. airlines; and all major international carriers, including ATA, Air China, Bombardier, Finnair, Varig, KLM, Lufthansa, and Cathay Pacific. AirWorks holds more than 40 supplemental type certificates (STC) certifying AirWorks as a Federal Aviation Administration (FAA)-approved manufacturer and installer for a range of interior equipment and systems for a variety of commercial aircraft flying worldwide.About Global ePoint, Inc.
Global ePoint’s growth catalyst, through its wholly-owned subsidiaries, is the design, manufacturing, sales and distribution of digital video surveillance systems for the law enforcement, military, aviation and homeland security markets. On the cutting edge of digital technology and seeking to expand its product line, Global ePoint is developing new compression technologies and next-generation, secure network digital video systems and servers for a wide range of new markets, concentrating primarily on security and homeland defense applications. As a solid recurring revenue stream, the Company also manufactures customized computing systems for industrial, business and consumer markets, as well as other specialized electronic products and systems. Complete vertical integration -- from design and manufacturing to sales and distribution -- allows the Company to capture efficiencies and maintain cost advantages in these growing markets, particularly homeland security. For more information, please visit http://www.globalepoint.com.Global ePoint, Inc.
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