International Communications Group and Aero Industries Collaborate on STC for G-V WiFi System

March 22, 2011
Installation and integration with the existing ICS-200 telephone system on-board a Gulfstream G-V aircraft will provide worldwide, inflight wireless Blackberry e-mail messaging.

NEWPORT NEWS, Va.–(March 22, 2011) – International Communications Group (ICG) has announced that it is working with Aero Industries of Richmond, Virginia to obtain a Supplemental Type Certificate (STC) from the Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) for the installation and integration of an ICG NxtMail Server with the existing ICS-200 telephone system on-board a Gulfstream G-V aircraft in order to provide worldwide, inflight wireless Blackberry e-mail messaging.

“Virtually all of the pre-certification work has been completed at Aero Industries Richmond facilities and we anticipate the receipt of the STC by the end of this month,” said Ray Larkin, ICG’s Regional Manager. “Aero Industries is a long-standing partner with ICG on a number of successful projects and we are pleased to continue this mutually beneficial and productive relationship.“

“ICG products have ‘designed-in’ versatility that makes them extremely cost effective and productive tools for our customers. This particular adaptation allowed one of our operators to add e-mail capability to their aircraft without an expensive and otherwise unnecessary telephone system hardware replacement,” added Per Person, Aero Industries Avionics Facility Manager.

ICG’s NxtMail Server provides a local Wireless Access Point (WAP) in the aircraft cabin via a single inexpensive Iridium channel. Besides acting as a WAP and Dynamic Host Configuration Protocol (DHCP) Server, the NxtMail Server efficiently and automatically manages link access to optimize “on-air” time and associated costs. WiFi capable user devices, such as BlackBerry® smartphones and iPhone™ mobile digital devices, are automatically assigned an IP address by the DHCP server to provide immediate access to the system without user intervention or set-up beyond what is required with any WiFi network.

About Aero Industries, Inc.

As a long established, family owned and operated, full service FBO since 1946, Aero Industries provides its customers with proven, courteous and reliable service in all aspects of aviation. From a quick fuel top off upon arrival at Richmond International Airport to a complete annual or avionics systems installation, Aero Industries sets a high standard that is based on a tradition of excellence. All maintenance performed at Aero Industries meets FAA approved FAR Part 145 Repair Station standards and incorporates the use of only FAA approved and accepted parts, procedures and methods.

About ICG (www.icg.aero)International Communications Group, Inc. (ICG) of Newport News, Va. is a recognized leader within the aerospace industry, in the development and manufacture of aeronautical communications systems and solutions for the General Aviation and Air Transport industries. ICG’s products provide satellite-based global voice and data telecommunications services for both cabin requirements and flight deck operations. ICG avionics provide comprehensive communications solutions that can be customized for any size airframe or application. Products include: CTU systems, corded and cordless handsets, single- and multi-channel Iridium systems and data management devices. Markets for ICG products are the aerospace, military and maritime industries. ICG, a major Iridium value-added manufacturer (VAM) and value-added reseller (VAR), has developed a wide range of Iridium-based solutions and products for mobile satellite communications applications. ICG is an approved FAA manufacturing facility and operates an FAA approved repair station. For further information, contact ICG via telephone at 757-947-1030 or visit the company’s website at www.icg.aero.