South Florida ADS-B Infrastructure a 'Remarkable Accomplishment'

MIAMI, April 7 /PRNewswire-USNewswire/ -- The advanced air transportation
technology deployed in South Florida - the first installment of regular
infrastructure within the NextGen modernization program - is not only a boost
to the region, but to the entire nation, AIA President and CEO Marion Blakey
said Tuesday.

"This is a significant milestone and a remarkable accomplishment for NexGen
and everyone involved in its evolution," Blakey said during a roll-out event
at Miami International Airport. "And, more importantly, it's a sign of even
greater things to come in the future for our nation's air transportation
system."

Blakey joined representatives of local governments, the FAA, AIA member
company ITT and others to mark the deployment of 11 Automatic Dependant
Surveillance - Broadcast ground stations in the region. It is the first region
to have the advanced technology installed and in use in the nation outside of
pockets of ADS-B in demonstration programs that were precursors to NextGen.

ADS-B technology allows pilots and controllers to see radar-like displays with
highly accurate traffic data from satellites, with real-time updates that
don't degrade with distance or terrain. The technology also provides access to
weather services, terrain maps and flight information services. The system
largely replaces the outdated radar-based technology that has been in use for
air traffic control for decades.

NextGen is a comprehensive transformation of the air transportation system to
meet increasing passenger numbers and avoid gridlock in the National Airspace
System. ADS-B is the backbone technology for NextGen.

The South Florida deployment marks the beginning of a program to install a
total of 794 stations across the nation, with the Gulf of Mexico, Louisville,
Juneau and Philadelphia regions all slated to be operational by 2010. ITT,
leading a consortium of other companies, is undertaking the work.

Blakey served as FAA administrator from 2002-2007 and played a significant
role in the planning and development of NextGen.

Founded in 1919, the Aerospace Industries Association represents the nation's
leading manufacturers and suppliers of civil, military, and business aircraft,
helicopters, unmanned aerial systems, space systems, aircraft engines,
materiel, and related components, equipment services, and information
technology.

SOURCE Aerospace Industries Association

Alexis Allen of AIA, +1-703-358-1075 (office), +1-703-362-0682 (cell),
Alexis.allen@aia-aerospace.org