Iridium Satellite's value-added reseller, Sky Connect, has sold 75 Iridium satellite communication systems to Era Helicopters. Era Helicopters, of Lake Charles, La., is a major Gulf Coast provider of helicopter services for the offshore oil industry.
Era has ordered 75 Sky Connect TRACKER systems, with an option for 50 more. Era has already installed the first 20 units, and the company plans to equip its entire fleet of Agusta, Bell, Eurocopter and Sikorsky helicopters with the Iridium systems.
The Sky Connect TRACKER system provides operators with real-time knowledge of all airborne, shipborne or ground assets anywhere. It also allows for high-quality, reliable voice communications anywhere in the world through the Iridium network of low-earth orbiting (LEO) satellites.
"Since Hurricane Katrina, more and more helicopter operators, as well as law enforcement and public safety agencies, are equipping with Iridium to be better prepared," said Don Thoma, executive vice president of Iridium Satellite.
"Reliable, global satellite links are critical to maintaining operations for offshore helicopter companies without depending on ground-based communication infrastructure, which can be disrupted during hurricanes or other events."
"Sky Connect gives us both an automated tracking solution for our helicopters and cost-effective satellite voice communications," said Jim Shugart, executive vice president of Era Helicopters. "We are already realizing the benefits of the new equipment."
"This is a prestigious contract for Sky Connect," said Wiley Loughran, senior vice president, sales and marketing for Sky Connect. "We are proud to be supporting a high-profile, high-quality operator such as Era."
