Iridium has signed a service partner agreement with Blue Sky Network, a provider of satellite communications solutions for the aviation industry. Blue Sky joins a growing roster of well-known service partners around the world. Combined, Iridium and Blue Sky enable aviation customers to improve cockpit and cabin communications and enhance overall flight safety.
“The addition of Blue Sky as a service partner supports Iridium’s strategy to develop and market specific products and services to commercial customers, such as those in the aviation sector who require remote communications solutions,” said Gino Picasso, president and CEO of Iridium Satellite LLC. “Blue Sky and Iridium enable pilots and passengers on planes, large or small, to communicate to and from anywhere in the world.”
Blue Sky’s equipment played a pivotal role earlier this year when Charles Lindbergh’s grandson, Erik Lindbergh, re-enacted his grandfather’s famous transcontinental flight.
While retracing the original route, Lindbergh encountered dangerous weather conditions, causing his plane to develop wing ice. Using Blue Sky’s equipment and Iridium’s satellite services, he was able to communicate with the mission control center and receive directions to avoid additional weather problems that could have caused further degrading conditions.
Blue Sky’s latest product release is the FAA-certified C-1000 fixed console system which includes a full featured Motorola satellite phone, TSO’d antenna and complete installation kit for about one-fourth the price of comparable systems on the market today.
Blue Sky will be featuring its C-1000 and another new product at the upcoming NBAA Annual Meeting & Convention in Orlando, FL, September 10th-12th.
“Iridium is an integral partner in our mission to bring truly affordable global satcom to the aviation industry,” said Jon Gilbert, president of Blue Sky Network. “We are pleased to be a part of this groundbreaking team.”
