Press Release

Issued by Thales.

June 29, 2011

Thrane & Thrane announces today, Tuesday 29th June, that its AVIATOR Wireless Handset has been awarded Parts Manufacturer Approval (PMA) by the Federal Aviation Administration (FAA), certifying its use aboard all aircraft. Designed specifically for in-flight communications, the Thrane & Thrane AVIATOR Wireless Handset offers users a range of advanced features neatly packaged within an easy-to-use and stylish unit. Following FAA Approval, Thrane & Thrane will commence shipment of the handset to its global customer base.

To gain the PMA certification from the FAA, the AVIATOR Wireless Handset was tested by Thrane & Thrane partner AeroMech aboard a G200 Gulfstream.

Commenting on the product test, Gary Simmons, Engineering Program Manager, AeroMech said: "We were extremely impressed with the AVIATOR Wireless Handset, particularly the built-in noise suppression function which proved to minimise background noise and significantly enhance audio quality during use. In addition, the AVIATOR Wireless Handset incorporates a stylish design which is more in line with cell and mobile phones and a big step-up from what is currently available in the business aviation market."

The compact and lightweight AVIATOR Wireless Handset can be used by anyone aboard to make and receive in-flight calls. The solution offers an extensive range of advanced features which include echo and noise cancellation to provide unmatched audio quality. The handset's highly intuitive user interface, tactile controls and 2.2" TFT colour screen, offer a design similar to that of cell or mobile phones, making it exceptionally easy for users to operate.

Kim Gram, Vice President, Aeronautical Business Unit, Thrane & Thrane also commented: "Since its introduction, the AVIATOR Wireless Handset has been very well received as a modern and sophisticated solution which offers a range of innovative features. We are delighted to have received excellent feedback on the handset during its recent test to gain FAA certification, which confirmed its capability to provide advanced and reliable voice communications in the sky."

The new AVIATOR Wireless Handset is available to all customers of Thrane & Thrane's AVIATOR SwiftBroadband solutions and connects via the system's built-in wireless access point for users to make calls over the IP based network. The solution is charged with a purpose-built battery charging cradle, which is also FAA approved for installation in the cabin and is powered by the aircraft's own power supply. When fully charged via the cradle, the handset is able to remain charged in standby mode for up to 24 hours.