The market introduction and take off from the older Inmarsat Fleet to the new BGAN based FleetBroadband is a fantastic story that should continue. The introduction and market penetration has been much faster than expected and overwhelming for all three SAILOR maritime terminals (150, 250, and 500). Another positive development this year was continued antenna development. Source tracking antennas in-house is now possible, which is fantastic news to the Company and maritime market customers.
Thrane & Thrane is hoping to expand this capability into various land and aero product offerings that, however, rests in the future. The Company also unveiled a brand new SAILOR 900 VSAT Ku-band antenna this year and are looking forward to it entering this market alongside the existing series of maritime Ku-band antenna products, both for TVRO (television, receive-only or satellite TV) and VSAT (2-way data with stabilized maritime antennae); SAILOR 60 Satellite TV and SAILOR 90 Satellite TV, plus SAILOR 700 VSAT running on the unique mini-VSAT Broadband network.
It was an exciting year for aeronautical products too. An entirely new portfolio of SwiftBroadband products were introduced under the brand name AVIATOR, which has quickly been accepted by the industry. This activity highlights the focus and ability of the Company to develop new products fast. Also introduced was the worlds first to the land mobile market with the new EXPLORER 325 terminal for on-the-move use. This isnt the first vehicular-based terminal, but it is the first terminal to focus on price and its introduction has opened the market dramatically.
2010 was, of course, a tough year for most businesses, but there were many positive aspects, as well. Great contracts were signed, including a new deal with Maersk. There is now a greater Company will to invest in business opportunities as compared to last year, especially in the maritime and land sectors where there was some hesitance in the early part of the year. Internally, Thrane & Thrane has continued to focus on effectiveness and productivity, putting into place new processes and strategies to improve development, manufacturing, and delivery. Despite the challenges of delivering of components in due time, delivery capacity and effectiveness has been increased, greatly improving service to customers.
As the clear market leaders in terms of FleetBroadband terminals delivered, Thrane & Thrane still has plenty to offer in terms of new technology and quality developments. The new SAILOR 6000 GMDSS Series ships in January, which includes a brand new Inmarsat mini-C terminal the Company is looking forward to seeing how this performs in the market. Likewise, the new Ku-band antenna will be an entrance to a larger part of the market and good results are expected within the marine and land arenas, with the aero sector to soon follow suit, especially as the technologically advanced, cost effective, and coherent SwiftBroadband offering is available.
Thrane & Thrane has signed a significant contract with aircraft manufacturer Embraer and will start delivery of AVIATOR products by the end of 2011. Positive expectations towards that collaboration the confidence of building similar partnerships with other manufacturers and operators is infused throughout the Company.