"The real beauty of Airsat 1 is that it is reasonably priced, yet it is the first satellite communications system for aircraft that provides reliable, continuous communications for aircraft flying anywhere in the world," said Frank Daly, president, AlliedSignal Aerospace Avionics & Lighting.

Iridium Inc.'s 66 satellites operate in polar orbits, with their paths passing over the North and South poles. This means they provide coverage anywhere on earth, including the Arctic and Antarctic regions not covered by traditional satellite communications systems. As an airplane flies, calls are handed off from satellite to satellite without an interruption of the call.

AlliedSignal Aerospace is also a distributor for Iridium hand-held telephones and pagers as well as the airborne Airsat 1 systems and can provide airborne and ground systems through one billing account.

Suggested retail price of the Airsat 1 is $29,500. Usage rates vary from $3.50 per minute for in-country calls to a maximum of $7 for international calls. AlliedSignal Aerospace has appointed 380 Airsat 1 dealers worldwide.