2005 Press Release Archives

Para-Flite, Inc. Announces Oxygen System Certification
Pennsauken, NJ --- November 22, 2005

Para-Flite Inc, the world’s leader in military ram air parachute systems, announced the certification of its OXCON and PHAOS oxygen system by the US Government. The certification was spearheaded by NAVAIR (Naval Air Systems Command) and supported by NASA and the US Army Soldier System Center (SSC) in Natick Massachusetts. The OXCON and PHAOS system provides oxygen to parachutists and aircrew members at altitudes up to 35,000 ft MSL (Mean Sea Level). Today’s announcement makes Para-Flite’s OXCON and PHAOS the only oxygen system certified by the US Government for high altitude parachute operations.

The OXCON (Oxygen Console) is a portable unit that provides a two-hour supply of oxygen for six personnel during ascent and flight. The OXCON can be carried aboard any aircraft and requires no installation or modification to the aircraft. In addition to the six-station OXCON, Para-Flite also manufactures the OXCON in two and eight station configurations.

The PHAOS (Parachutist High Altitude Oxygen System) is a man-mounted system that consists of a mask mounted diluter demand regulator and oxygen bottle. The PHAOS is used by the parachutist during freefall and descent under canopy. The PHAOS provides up to 45 minutes of breathing time for one individual.

Mike Murphy, Para-Flite’s Military Sales Manager, said that the certification was the strongest possible validation of the OXCON and PHAOS. “By approving Para-Flite’s oxygen system, the Marine Corps has resolved an acknowledged safety risk for many units in the Department of Defense. This certification and inclusion into the military procurement system make it easier for any US military organization to receive the safest and most advanced oxygen system in the world.”

The developer of the MC-4 and MC-5 ram air parachute systems and selected to replace the T-10 troop parachute, Para-Flite Inc. is a global leader in the military parachute industry. More information can be found at www.paraflite.com.

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Para-Flite, Inc. Names JC Berland President

Pennsauken, NJ -- October 3, 2005

Para-Flite Inc, the world’s leader in ram air parachute systems, today named Jean-Christophe (JC) Berland as President. Most recently, Berland was Chief Engineer of Para-Flite’s Engineering and Development group.

“JC is uniquely qualified to lead Para-Flite. He understands the industry from manufacturing, to design, to user needs and has a twenty year track record of success,” said Elek Puskas, CEO of Airborne Systems. “JC will be a valuable leader as we pursue Para-Flite’s growth strategy.” Airborne Systems’ holdings include Para-Flite, Irvin, Irvin GQ, and Irvin Canada.

“I am extremely excited to guide Para-Flite through the upcoming transition in the global parachute industry.” said Berland. “Ram air canopies are the future, whether for personnel or cargo delivery. We are only beginning to tap into the potential of this technology. The talent here at Para-Flite is capable of developing solutions that will meet our customers’ current and future needs.”

Berland has been with Para-Flite for six years and has 3,500 parachute jumps. Prior to Para-Flite, Berland served in the French Ministry of Defence for 13 years as a test engineer at the Parachute Test Centre in Toulouse, France.

The developer of the MC-4 and MC-5 ram air parachute systems and selected to replace the T-10 troop parachute, Para-Flite Inc. is a global leader in the military parachute industry. More information can be found at www.paraflite.com.

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IRVIN-GQ Acquisition of Advanced Inflatable Products

7 September 2005

Irvin-GQ Limited, world leaders in the supply of parachutes and safety survival equipment to the international military and aerospace markets, has confirmed that it is to enhance its multi-million pound operation at its modern facility in South Wales, through the acquisition of Essex based company Advanced Inflatable Products (AIP).

AIP has operated in the specialised field of balloon and inflatable structure manufacture since the mid-1990s. Managing Director Alan Lyons established the Essex based company in 1996 following a careerwith Airborne Industries. The most successful side of AIP’s business is the manufacture of the helium filled balloon for use in the training of parachutists. The company, with an annual turnover in excess of £300,000, also produce structures for advertising purposes, tethered rides and “eye-in-the-sky” television cameras. The operation will be re-located to South Wales from its current location in Southend-on-Sea during the autumn.

Announcing the acquisition on 7 September 2005, a spokesperson for Airborne Systems Limited (Irvin-GQ’s parent company) confirmed that the acquisition was an “exciting development”, offering great potential to develop the company’s core business by building initially on its traditional military links.

Irvin-GQ, operating out of their factory in South Wales, will become the only European manufacturer capable of supplying global armed forces with specialised balloon based parachute training along with state-of the-art parachute equipment.

The “balloon jump” no longer forms part of the training regime for UK Airborne Forces, although it is still employed by many other countries including Belgium, South Korea, and Thailand. Balloon training provides a cost effective method of introducing front line forces to the demanding role of parachute assault.

The acquisition represents an investment in the region of £250,000 for Irvin-GQ and is part of the company’s ongoing expansion and diversification programme that will complement its core business.

Irvin-GQ, design and manufacture parachute systems for airborne forces, cargo airdrop, emergency escape, aircraft deceleration and the recovery of UAVs. The company also supplies rescue, safety and survival equipment for the military, coastguard and civilian aerospace markets.

Irvin-GQ currently employs over 350 staff at facilities in Llangeinor, Bridgend and Letchworth.

Irvin-GQ Managing Director, Philip Thomas, said: “We are confident that with the right marketing this product range has huge potential. It will also enhance the package we already offer our customers. From initial design, manufacture, shipping and maintenance of the product, we will now offer training.”

“For many years we have led the field in the design and manufacture of parachutes for the safe delivery of personnel and equipment. Now we have another product to offer.”

For further information please contact:
Mike Snelling, Sales Director or Chris Pugh-Bevan, Commercial Manger

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Airborne Systems Announces the Formation of Airborne Systems Global

Belleville, Canada , April 1, 2005

Airborne Systems Ltd. today announced the formation and launch of a new business group within Airborne Systems. The new company will be known as Airborne Systems Global. Airborne Systems Global will be located in Belleville, Canada. Elizabeth Johnson has been appointed Managing Director.

With the formation of Airborne Systems Global, the Airborne Systems Group has combined the resources of four of the world's leading parachute companies, Irvin Aerospace, Irvin Canada, Irvin-GQ and Para-Flite. Elek Puskas, CEO of Airborne Systems Ltd. stated, "Each of these companies is known for particular parachute and parachute related capabilities, product and industry leading technology. Through Airborne Systems Global, we will now be able to better serve our international customers by providing a single point of contact for customers worldwide."

Along with the announcement of Airborne Systems Global, Puskas further stated, "We are also pleased to announce the appointment of Elizabeth Johnson as Managing Director. Ms. Johnson has been actively involved in worldwide parachute marketing and sales for a number of years and brings a wide range of parachute experience to our customers."

Ms. Johnson commented, "Customers worldwide can now benefit from this unique combination of best of class parachute resources. Airborne Systems Global will represent and sell the products and engineering services of these four companies to a global market."

Ms. Johnson has been active in the parachute industry in several ways as an active skydiver with more than 3000 jumps, a member of the Canadian Sport Parachuting Association since 1982, a member of the United States Parachuting Association since 1993, and an accomplished jump instructor. Ms. Johnson holds Canadian Static Line and Free Fall Instructor Ratings as well as USPA Accelerated Freefall Jumpmaster Certification. She was a participant in the 1995 World's Largest Women's Skydiving Formation (100 women). Ms.Johnson was a 1996 participant in the Canadian National Championships, the July 2000 Canadian Record Skydiving Formation, 54-way, and a participant of the World Record Skydiving Formation, 300-way in July 2000. She ia a member of the Parachute Industry Association and in 2004 nominated to the Executive Board.

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In addition to this new responsibility, Ms. Johnson will continue to hold the position of Director of Sales and Marketing for the Airborne Systems Ltd. group of companies. Ms. Johnson will be directly supported by Ms. Chris Christenson, Director of New Business Development for Airborne Systems Global. Ms. Christenson is also well known in the parachute industry where she has been actively involved for over 27-years.   

Airborne Systems Global is headquartered in Belleville, Canada with the following contact information:

Airborne Systems Global
P.O. Box 1603
Belleville, Ontario, Canada K8N 5J2
Phone: 1 613 969 9688
Fax: 1 613 969 1883
Web: www.ASGlobal.com

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