Satcom Direct and Honeywell Join to Offer Complete Cabin Connectivity for Aircraft

Transcription

1 News Release Satcom Direct and Honeywell Join to Offer Complete Cabin Connectivity for Aircraft Satcom Direct and Honeywell International agree to combine expertise to offer a flight support and cabin communications service package to aircraft operators Satellite Beach, Fla. (October 5, 2008) Satcom Direct, a leading innovator of satellite voice, fax, and Internet data service solutions, announces it has signed an agreement to work with Honeywell International, a leader in cockpit and cabin management systems, to provide flight support and cabin communications services in a one-stop package. Some of the service features contained within this comprehensive package include accurate flight planning information, reliable and data communications connectivity, and satellite television. This joint effort offers aircraft operators increased flexibility in choosing services to meet their specific business requirements. In addition, by purchasing flight support and cabin communications services as a comprehensive package, operators save the time and cost of managing multiple contracts and suppliers. The new comprehensive package allows operators to purchase and utilize specific services separately from both Honeywell and Satcom Direct. Working with Honeywell on this package allows us to combine Satcom Direct s strength in delivering satellite-based service solutions with the integrity and recognition of the Honeywell name, said Jim Jensen, founder and owner of Satcom Direct. Our focus at Satcom Direct is to deliver unparalleled technology and customer support that ensures private aviation travelers and all of our customers receive the connectivity they need, when and where they need it. This new agreement enables us to offer operators proven technologies and customer service capabilities that provide more value, said Rob Wilson, President of Honeywell Business and General Aviation. We re offering a one-stop solution for staying connected seamlessly. Along with the comprehensive package, Satcom Direct will now handle support and account management of Honeywell s existing cabin services, including OneLink, OneView, and JetMapII. With Satcom Direct handling the support and service of these programs, it creates a further win-win solution for aircraft operators who already benefit from Satcom Direct and Honeywell s outstanding technology and global connectivity, said Wilson. Additional details regarding cabin communications services availability and pricing can be obtained by contacting Satcom Direct at , sales@satcomdirect.com or online at About Satcom Direct Founded in 1997, Satcom Direct is the leading innovator of satellite voice, fax, and broadband data service solutions for business and general aviation, military, government, emergency response, media, and a growing list of others that demand reliable global communications. Its primary product, Global One Number, is an advanced connection service for aeronautical, maritime and land mobile applications that makes Satcom as reliable and simple to use as ground-based telephones, while its new datalink service, FlightDeck Freedom, gives aircraft operators access to a menu of flight information content. For more information regarding Satcom Direct, visit sales@satcomdirect.com, or call ###

2 Frequently Asked Questions Q: How does this affect my other services with Honeywell? A: The only services that will be affected are Inmarsat, Iridium, and OneView services. Q: Will Satcom Direct be invoicing me for all my Honeywell services? If not, which services? A: During the transition, you will continue to receive billing from Honeywell. If you allow Honeywell to share your account information with Satcom Direct, Satcom Direct will be invoicing you on behalf of Honeywell for all of your cabin services including Inmarsat, Iridium, JetMap II and OneView. Q: Do I have to switch to Satcom Direct? A: Customers can choose to remain under contract with Honeywell until the term of their existing contract comes to the point of renewal but is not renewed by Honeywell. Once their existing contract is not renewed customers can choose to purchase cabin services directly from Satcom Direct or purchase an Integrated Service Offering from Honeywell which includes cabin services. Satcom Direct offers lower per minute rates for Inmarsat classic aero service, in addition to other value adds not offered by Honeywell. Q: How do I remain a Honeywell customer until my contract with Honeywell ends? A: You will receive an authorization form from Honeywell which, once signed and returned to Honeywell, gives Honeywell permission to provide your customer and aircraft information to Satcom Direct. Satcom Direct will then make contact with you to get your account transitioned so that they can provide the account management services discussed in the beginning of this letter and describe the many benefits of becoming a Satcom Direct customer, including Global One Number, Plane Simple, unified billing, and SOS TM. Q: Will my rates change after the transition? A: Should you decide to remain with Honeywell until your contract end date, your rates will not change. If you become a Satcom Direct customer whereby you signup for Satcom Direct services directly your classic aero rates will be reduced. Satcom Direct s Iridium Service Plans are different from Honeywell s, but still include a fixed number of minutes for a monthly fee. Q: Does Satcom Direct charge any monthly service fees for Inmarsat services? A: There is a monthly fee for Satcom Direct s Global One Number service, which provides a single 10-digit number to contact the aircraft via Inmarsat, Iridium, or Verizon, and allows callers to reach any handset in the aircraft. The Global One Number allows both voice and fax calls, and greetings are customized for each customer. Satcom Direct also offers an International Global One Number for customers that desire a European number to reach the aircraft. Due to Satcom Direct s lower per minute rates, we expect the overall monthly service cost for most customers to be reduced. Q: Can I continue to pay my invoices by credit card? A: Yes, you will be provided with a new credit card form from Satcom Direct. This form will give Satcom Direct the authority to charge your credit card for satcom services.

3 Q: Will there be any changes to the invoices I receive? A: You will continue to receive invoices from Honeywell for your cabin services. Once your account has been transitioned to Satcom Direct, your invoices will come from Satcom Direct and you should send your payments to Satcom Direct at the mailing address shown on the invoice. Satcom Direct provides electronic delivery of invoices, and accepts credit card payments to make it easier for you to pay for your cabin services usage. Q: What number do I call for customer support and technical support? A: Continue to call Honeywell Cabin Services at or toll free Once you have been notified that Satcom Direct is supporting your cabin services, contact Satcom Direct 24/7 at or toll free for technical assistance and all account inquiries. Q: Will I be required to sign a new contract with Satcom Direct? A: If you choose Satcom Direct as your direct service provider instead of staying with Honeywell, you will receive a new Customer Service Agreement from Satcom Direct. Q: What happens to the remaining term of my contract with Honeywell? A: Once you become a Satcom Direct customer, Honeywell will release you from your existing OneLink services contract. Q: Does Satcom Direct require a 12-month contract? A: No, Satcom Direct does not require a minimum term commitment for service. You can cancel your service at anytime. However, some services such as JetMapII and OneView include annual subscription fees which are non-refundable. Q: Will my aircraft telephone number change? A: Yes, your aircraft telephone numbers will be transitioned to a single 10-digit Global One Number from Satcom Direct. This number will provide you with a customized greeting and menu prompts to reach all the handsets on your aircraft. Q: What happens to my account for MyCabinServices.com? A: If you allow Honeywell to share you account information with Satcom Direct, you will be transitioned to Satcom Direct s Plane Simple website for all your online needs, which includes access to invoices, logon records, call records, technical bulletins, service alerts, aircraft configurations and more. Q: As a GDC customer, I ve been receiving a discount on some of my cabin services. Will I continue to receive this discount? A: Should you decide to remain with Honeywell until your contract end date, your rates will not change. If you decide to become a direct Satcom Direct customer whereby you signup for Satcom Direct services directly your classic aero rates will be reduced. Satcom Direct s Iridium Service Plans are different from Honeywell s, but still include a fixed number of minutes for a monthly fee.

4 Q: Can I buy Honeywell s GDC flight planning services from Satcom Direct? A: GDC flight planning and trip planning services must be purchased directly from Honeywell. Satcom Direct s new agreement with Honeywell includes only cabin services at this time. Honeywell can provide details about their GDC services, and Satcom Direct will insure you are able to enjoy all the benefits of being a Satcom Direct cabin services customer. Q: How can I find out more information about Satcom Direct? A: Visit or contact Satcom Direct s sales department at or

5 Flight Support Services CABIN SERVICES THAT KEEP YOU CONNECTED WHETHER YOU'RE ON THE GROUND OR IN THE AIR Honeywell Flight Support Services powered by Satcom Direct.

6 As a premier provider of flight support services for business aviation, Honeywell is focused on making your flight operations as effective as possible, through our comprehensive flight planning, cabin communications and database services. From flight routing, weather information and database updates to satellite communications, in-flight television news services, and data connectivity. With these technologies, we have the right mix of flight support solutions and subscription services to meet your unique operational requirements and aircraft needs. Honeywell and Satcom Direct now offer aircraft operators increased flexibility in choosing services to meet their specific business requirements. Operators can now purchase flight support and cabin communications services as a comprehensive package that saves time and the cost of managing multiple contracts and suppliers. In addition to a complete solution, aircraft operators are still able to purchase and utilize specific services separately from both Honeywell and Satcom Direct. Find out more For further information, contact our Service Support team at (888) or us at gfo@mygdc.com. Additional information is also available online at or at (321) , sales@satcomdirect.com, Features Reliable Voice High-speed data Data communications connectivity Satellite television availability Iridium Inmarsat Swift 64 SwiftBroadband Global One Number Plane Simple website access Aero X data compression Benefits Flexible services Comprehensive packages Simplified billing Comprehensive solution for services One number for Inmarsat, Iridium and Magnastar services Fast and friendly customer service Simple activation and configuration management Real-time S64 network congestion monitoring Invoices available online VOIP calling capability Honeywell Aerospace N. Deer Valley Phoenix, AZ Toll Free: International: A October Honeywell International Inc.