Starling Selects Signs MOA With EMS Defense & Space Systems

WASHINGTON, D.C. and YOQNEAM, ISRAEL -- Starling Advanced Communication Ltd., a provider of Ku-band antenna systems for in-flight applications, today announced the signing of a Memorandum of Agreement (MOA) with EMS Defense & Space Systems (D&SS), a division of EMS Technologies, Inc. to develop, manufacture and market a new competitive ultra-fast satellite-based Ku-band airborne antenna system for the U.S. commercial airline in-flight communications (IFC) market.

Under the agreement, Starling and EMS's Defense & Space Systems (D&SS) Division will cooperate to supply highly advanced and cost effective two-way low profile broadband antenna systems for airlines. Today, EMS Direct Broadcast Satellite (DBS) antenna systems, sold through LiveTV, deliver multiple channels of live television programming to passengers flying on Jet Blue Airways, Westjet, Virgin Atlantic and other airlines.

The collaborative antenna meets the unique challenges of airborne broadband communications. It combines an ultra-lightweight (45lb - 20kg) and low-profile antenna (diameter 30" - 75 cm, height 6" - 15 cm) with very high-speed data rates. The new antenna will provide full global coverage, will be very easy to install, and will be suitable for wide body and narrow body aircraft.

"The alliance with EMS is a strategic milestone in the history of Starling, indicating the company's penetration of the U.S. market," says Micha Lawrence, founder and CEO of Starling. "The agreement reflects the increasing demand in the United States for reliable and cost-effective airborne broadband antenna systems for airlines. By joining forces, EMS D&SS and Starling are driving the availability of a highly advanced technological solution that can support an ever broadening set of uses."

"We are proud to have been selected by Starling to take this innovative product to U.S. airlines. We have substantial capability within the commercial IFE market - a market that is beginning to form as evidenced by several recent airline announcements. We are confident that our customers will see the value of the combined Starling-EMS solution and that we will build on our antenna technology leadership in the emerging Ku-band arena," says David Smith, vice president and general manager of EMS D&SS.

Airlines are now considering the use of broadband communication as a strategic asset. This partnership will open new horizons for air travelers, enabling full-featured broadband in-flight applications, such as the Internet, VPN, PDA, VoIP, e-mail, mobile phones, video conferencing, instant messaging and various entertainment applications, including video-on-demand, live TV, online gaming and multimedia applications.