Global ePoint Aviation Division Expands Sales and Installation Services in On–Board Security, Other Product Lines

Over $323,000 in Orders Generated from New and Repeat Customers

CITY OF INDUSTRY, Calif. — (BUSINESS WIRE) — Dec. 21, 2004 — Global ePoint, Inc. (Nasdaq:GEPT), an innovator in homeland security solutions in aviation, law enforcement and high–volume contract manufacturing, has announced a broad array of new orders from both new and repeat airline customers for the Company’s advanced aviation products.  The new orders underscore Global ePoint’s leadership role and high levels of customer satisfaction in a number of aviation industry security solutions and other products. The announcement was made by Ricky Frick, President of the Global ePoint Aviation Division.

Global ePoint Aviation Division has become a fast–growing provider of next–generation solutions to the aviation industry through such products as the Company’s AirWorks brand Cockpit Door Surveillance Systems (CDSS).  The CDSS solutions use digital video technology to provide cockpit crew members with the ability to observe the interior of the passenger cabin while the cockpit door remains securely locked. 

“Increasing numbers of customers have ordered new CDSS and other AirWorks’ products as they expand their fleets,” said Mr. Frick. “Additionally, more carriers are requesting our installation services on CDSS and other modification services. This is providing an important source of increasing revenue for the Aviation Division. We have also begun to benefit from the return of U.S. carriers to their passenger cabin upgrade programs, as evidenced through the increase in orders of our core products such as wire harnesses and cable assemblies.”

Aviation Division orders for the past week total approximately $323,000.  Recent sales include:

  • In an order totaling approximately $136,000, a major U.S. airline has ordered Global ePoint wire harness and cable assembly products in an upgrade program to provide computer laptop power for customers.
  • German–based CityLine Airlines has ordered an additional 3 CDSS kits for new BAE–146 aircraft.  AirWorks has previously delivered 82 aircraft systems to the carrier.
  • Lufthansa Airlines has ordered 33 Cabin Ready systems to augment the carrier’s current A320 CDSS installations. The Cabin Ready function provides flight attendants the ability to communicate with flight deck to alert the crew that the cabin is ready for departure, without the need to enter the cockpit or breach security of the cockpit door. Lufthansa has taken delivery of 234 CDSS systems from AirWorks, comprising every aircraft in the airline’s fleet.
  • Swiss International Airlines has contracted AirWorks installation teams to perform their initial installations of previously-ordered AirWorks CDSS systems.
  • United Kingdom–based First Choice Airlines has contracted AirWorks to perform firmware upgrades to the CDSS System Controller and cockpit video monitors to provide their flight crews with additional data and information within the automatic selection features of the CDSS System.
  • MAS Electronics has contracted AirWorks installation teams to provide installation of seat electronic boxes on a number of Boeing 767 aircraft of an undisclosed US carrier.
  • An AirWorks installation team has recently returned from Kuwait, following installation of 19 CDSS systems with the Company’s Electronic Flight Provision options.  AirWorks has previously announced the sale of the CDSS systems to Kuwait Airlines.

The Company’s Aviation division contains 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.

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 www.globalepoint.com.

This news release contains forward–looking statements within the meaning of the Private Securities Litigation Reform Act of 1995. These forward–looking statements are based on the company’s current expectations, estimates and projections, management’s beliefs and numerous assumptions, all of which are subject to change. These forward–looking statements are not guarantees of future results and are subject to numerous risks and uncertainties. Our actual results could differ materially and adversely from those expressed in any forward–looking statement. For example, deliveries may be delayed or installations canceled. Regulations may change and negatively affect demand for our products. There can be no assurance that the company’s subsidiaries and/or divisions will be able to achieve growth of sales or market share. The forward–looking statements in this release speak only as of the date of this release. We undertake no obligation to revise or update publicly any forward–looking statement for any reason. These and other risk factors are detailed in our periodic filings with the Securities and Exchange Commission.

Contact:
Global ePoint, Inc.
John Price, 909.839.1700
[email protected]