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FLYHT, SKYBLUE finalize airline modification

Nov. 6, 2013, Beijing, China - SKYBLUE Technology Development Co. Ltd. has announced its significant role in meeting CAAC Airline Satellite Communication Application Rules issued in Dec, 2012.


November 6, 2013  By Carey Fredericks

For the past seven years SKYBLUE has worked with FLYHT Aerospace Solutions Ltd. of Calgary, Canada to test and certify the AFIRS product suite on aircraft in China. Together, we support 30 aircraft from 7 different airlines and have obtained certified radio licenses for Iridium communications to meet the mandate for Boeing 737, Airbus A320, Bombardier CRJ 900 and Boeing 767 aircraft. FLYHT has VSTCs for all of these aircraft in China.

There are more than 1,800 aircraft in China that must be equipped to meet the mandate before the end of 2017 and SKYBLUE is the leading supplier of aftermarket solutions in China today to meet the mandate.

SKYBLUE has received commitments from the first seven airlines we have been working on to install the FLYHT AFIRS solution over the next three years and have placed orders for 218 units. Installation is anticipated to commence in the first quarter of 2014 and we plan to add other airlines to this list in the coming months.

Mr Xie, president of SKYBLUE stated, "our long and friendly relationship with FLYHT has survived the many trials of getting Iridium approved in China and we are the first to have Iridium licensed as part of an operational aircraft. The hard work of the two teams to bring this solution to China is going to be recognized now with very significant orders to meet the aggressive timelines for installation outlined in the regulations. We are confident that we can meet the very aggressive delivery schedules demanded by our customers with the support of the FLYHT Team.

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Bill Tempany, president and CEO of FLYHT, stated, "we are very pleased that our hard work and patience has resulted in such an exciting opportunity. From the very early testing on Boeing 737s 7 years ago, the test of FLYHTStream with Shanghai Airlines and the latest work with SKYBLUE to provide engineering and installation support for 7 airlines to develop installation expertise and standard operating procedures manuals for pilots, installers, maintenance people and government approvals, our work with SKYBLUE has been an exceptional partnership. We look forward to the long and mutually profitable relationship for many years to come, working with our friends and customers in China."

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