07 February 2005

Flightcell International Limited, a Nelson business which developed electronic devices allowing pilots to use cellular phones in noisy aircraft cockpits is taking off.  By smartly identifying a lucrative global niche and with help from New Zealand Trade and Enterprise (NZTE), Flightcell is enjoying strong sales in the United States and plans to market in Europe this year.

Flightcell International Managing Director John Wyllie, says the firm manufactures and markets a special device called a Flightcell which allows pilots to use a satellite phone, cellular phone or any other communications device hands-free in a noisy aircraft cockpit. 

“The product allows point-to-point secure telecommunications to anybody anywhere which wasn’t previously possible using standard aircraft systems as pilots can normally only communicate adequately via radio to other aircraft or air traffic controllers,” says Mr Wylie.

The firm has just enjoyed a second year of growth with major sales to the United States military and is now a million dollar business with tremendous export potential.  As well as the military it has attracted interest from the agricultural sector, search and rescue, private pilots and small aviation companies as well as the marine industry.

A helicopter pilot by training, Mr Wylie did research for a product which would allow him to talk on his cellular phone while he was out flying.  When he couldn’t find anything suitable, he paid a friend who was an electronics engineer to build him a prototype.

“We started out making them 10 at a time but we got to a point where we had to have them assembled at an electronic manufacturing company in Christchurch,” says Mr Wylie.

Customers included the New Zealand aviation industry particularly the agricultural sector where there were real benefits in improved communications between farmers and pilots.

By 2003 the company was making around 300 units a year.  With help and funding from New Zealand Trade and Enterprise the company formed an alliance with the United States military resulting in a major order for 900 flightcells last year and a number of other large orders were achieved in 2004.

“Assistance from New Zealand Trade and Enterprise has helped our business to grow and market internationally.”

New Zealand Trade and Enterprise spokesman Jo Rainey said Flightcell demonstrated that Nelson’s future was not necessarily based on past economic strengths of traditional farming, forestry, fish and fruit products.

“Their strength is the ability to find a niche market, and to rapidly design and adapt competitive products to suit changing needs.”

Mr Rainey said Flightcell had received funding through NZTE’s growth services fund to assist with formation of strategic alliances, product development and market development consultancy.

The firm recently returned from the largest airshow in the world held at Oshkosh, Wisconsin, where there was brisk interest in a new smaller flightcell product that retails for around half the price of the original NZ$800 model.

“We achieved very good sales of the new product at the show and there’s big potential for it worldwide,” says Mr Wylie.
 
In April Flightcell will display their new and original models at a large airshow in Germany to build on the company’s growing international success.

www.flightcell.co.nz
www.nzte.govt.nz

Ends

For further information:

NZTE Senior Client Manager, (Nelson/Marlborough) Jo Rainey ph: 03 546 7285 mob: 027 274 9972
Email: jo.rainey@nzte.govt.nz

Flightcell Managing Director, John Wylie ph: 03 545 8652
 
Distributed by Sandeep Bhim, Communications Consultant, New Zealand Trade and Enterprise,      ph: 04 910 4365, mob: 027 2833 858 or email: sandeep.bhim@nzte.govt.nz