EADS and CAAC sign framework agreement on nationwide TETRA network in China

EADS and CAAC sign framework agreement on nationwide TETRA network in China

*First nationwide TETRA radio network for all airports
*Turnkey concept for Chinese airports – largest in China

UnterschleiYheim/Elancourt, 18 September 2007
EADS Defence & Security(DS) announces the signing of a framework cooperation agreement with the Air Traffic Management Bureau (ATMB), Civil Aviation Administration of China (CAAC). Under the terms of this agreement, a nationwideEADS TETRA radio communicationssystem will be established for Chinese airports. The new system, provided by Secure Networks, a line of business ofDefence and Communications Systems, will enable digital dispatching services in various airport departments such as airlines, cargo traffic, ground services, airport public security and oil depot. The network will be by far the largest digital trunked radio network in China.

During the first phase of the project, a TETRA exchange centre will be set up in four locations: Beijing Capital International Airport, Shanghai Pudong International Airport, Shanghai Hongqiao International Airport and Guangzhou Baiyun International Airport. The base stations in these four airports and the remote base station that has already been set up for the Chengdu airport will be connected to the switching centres, and will thus form the core of a large nationwide network. A dispatch system will cover the above-mentioned five airports. EADS will provide a comprehensive solution that will enable updating and a smooth migration from the existing wireless ATMB, CAAC systems.

Together, the five airports serve currently more than 100 million passengers annually. According to market estimates, the number of Chinese air passengers will increase by 100% over the next ten years. The construction of new runways, terminals and parking facilities are facing the huge challenge of keeping pace with the growth. Thus, the digital trunked radio system from EADS will not only greatly improve communications for airport staff – which translates into better service and enhanced security for airport users – but will also successfully address the increasing passenger numbers and airlines; future expansions needs are easy to incorporate. In addition, by adopting the advanced digital trunked TETRA system of EADS, various organisations and departments at airports can operate more efficiently, which spells various advantages for travellers, i.e. punctual flights.

Ms. Lv Xiaoping, Deputy Director of ATMB, CAAC, pointed out: “Upcoming large events and activities mean that our airports will become a window with which to showcase China to the world. One of our crucial tasks is to maintain punctuality and safety. Operational efficiency and security of the airport system are key to this. The innovative TETRA radio communications system from EADS has been successfully deployed all over the world. Because it is extremely cost-effective, we believe that the system can meet the ever-increasing demands for wireless communications at airports.”

Franois Begaud, Chief Executive Officer of EADS Secure Networks Asia Pacific said: “In the first half of 2007, Secure Networks achieved great results in China. The cooperation with ATMB in national digital trunked networks highlights the fact that EADS TETRA solutions boast high security, outstanding reliability, powerful project implementation and qualified service.”

Secure Networks is a world leading provider of Professional Mobile Radio (PMR), which enables professional organisations to communicate with each other effectively, reliably, and securely. EADS is the only company worldwide that is capable of offering specialized PMR solutions based onTETRA,TETRAPOL, and P25 technologies. EADS has more than 170 mission-critical PMR networks customers, over 60 countries.

Secure Networks is an integrated line of business ofEADS Defence & Security(DS). DS is a systems solutions provider combining military air systems, missile systems, communications and intelligence systems, global security solutions, sensor and avionics systems, as well as test and support solutions into a single effective network. In 2006, DS – with its around 23,000 employees – achieved revenues of 5.9 billion.

EADS is a global leader in aerospace, defence and related services. In 2006, EADS generated revenues of 39.4 billion and employs a workforce of about 116,000.

Contacts:
Jennifer Zhou Xiaofang
EADS Secure Networks
Tel.: +86 (0) 64611266-903
Email: xiaofang.zhou@eads-china.com

Brigitte Faure
EADS Defence & Security
Tel.: +33 (1) 61 38 53 29
Email: brigitte.faure@eads.com

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