Read the latest news from Flight Display Systems.

2008 was the best year ever in sales for Flight Display Systems. In chronological order, here are some of our news highlights from the past twelve months.

FAA Approves Low-Cost Airborne Ellipse TV System

Flight Display Systems and The Maintenance Group, Inc. jointly announced today the receipt of an FAA Supplemental Type Certificate (STC) award for their new low-cost airborne satellite TV system, Ellipse TV.

Flight Display Systems Appoints Steve Lord to Northeast Region

We are very happy that Steve joined our team,” said David Gray, President of Flight Display Systems. “Steve has a history of field sales and business development. His experience will help us continue to deliver the best products and services to a growing market.”

New High-Definition Video System Introduced

The new Fly HD system is the only in-flight product on the market capable of delivering a true high-definition digital video signal which supports Blu-Ray and other HD sources.

PMA Awarded for 3 Cabin LCD Monitors

Flight Display Systems has been granted Parts Manufacturing Approval from the FAA for the 10.4-inch LCD, the 17.1-inch Widescreen LCD, and the 26-inch Widescreen LCD. We now have the largest selection of PMA designated LCD monitors in the industry.

FAA Grants PMA for Flight View Camera and Satellite Radio Amplifier

The Flight View Camera allows passengers to see taxi, takeoff and landing from a pilot’s perspective. The Satellite Radio Amplifier allows multiple passengers to have a personal satellite radio receiver at their seat.

Upgraded Wireless Audio Transmitter and Headsets

The FD900X3C is a three channel wireless audio transmitter operating on the 2.4 Gigahertz frequency.

Top Ranking in 2008 Product Support Survey

Flight Display Systems was recently awarded 4th Place in the Product Support Survey from Aviation International News.

Three New Single-Source Flippers Introduced

Not only does the new Flipper have a superb picture quality, but because of the mounting options, it answers most of the installation concerns that our clients have,” said Rick Vachon, Sr. Vice President of Sales and Marketing for Forward Vision.

Photos from NBAA 2008 in Orlando

Flight Display Systems once again had the largest booth for any IFE company. Customers and dealers were given the opportunity to see all of our bright, crisp LCD monitors in living color.

Joe Little Named VP of Research and Development

We are now in position to continue developing fast-track solutions for bringing unique and cost-effective cabin entertainment products to our customers worldwide,” say David Gray, President of Flight Display Systems.

GSA Schedule Contract Awarded

This GSA contract award will make it easier for special mission and military customers to purchase our equipment,” said David Gray, President of Flight Display Systems.

David Oblinger Appointed General Manager

Oblinger, a seasoned operations executive, will oversee the daily manufacturing processes and systems. He brings the planning experience and management necessary to enable Flight Display Systems to handle its explosive growth.

We are forecasting even more growth in 2009. Stay tuned for many exciting new product announcements!

Bob Wilson, Founder and President of Wilson Air Center, visited the Alpharetta, Georgia offices of Flight Display Systems on Friday, December 12th. He gave a motivational speech to the entire company, highlighting the importance of teamwork, quality, and maintaining a positive attitude.

Bob Wilson has been a mentor for me since I started this company,” said David Gray, President of Flight Display Systems. “His message about attention to detail and how to treat customers with respect is a great example of leadership.”

Bob Wilson and David Gray meet on December 12, 2008

Wilson Air Center opened in Memphis in 1996. Additional operations in Charlotte and Houston followed in 2004 and 2005, respectively. The Memphis facility of Wilson Air Center has been rated the #1 Fixed Base Operator (FBO) for nine years in a row by readers of Aviation International News.

I enjoyed meeting with the employees of Flight Display Systems,” said Bob Wilson, Founder and President of Wilson Air Center. “The team seems to have a passion for what they do.”

At the end of his talk, Mr. Wilson gave each of the employees a copy of his father’s book, Half Luck and Half Brains: The Kemmons Wilson Holiday Inn Story. Employees also received a poster of Kemmons Wilson’s 20 Tips for Success.

Number One in Customer Support – Wilson Air Center and Flight Display Systems

Expansion Creates Opportunity for Seasoned Operations Executive

Citing solid company growth, Flight Display Systems has recruited David Oblinger to fill the position of General Manager. Oblinger, a seasoned operations executive, will oversee the daily manufacturing processes and systems of the Alpharetta, GA company which specializes in developing cabin entertainment products to enhance the flight experience. He brings the planning experience and management necessary to enable Flight Display Systems to handle its explosive growth.

As we continue to expand our company through the creation and manufacturing of innovative products, we generate the need to develop an infrastructure to take us to the next level,” said David Gray, President and Founder of Flight Display Systems. “David Oblinger is a proven operations executive who will provide the necessary leadership to help us hone our processes as we continue to be competitive in the marketplace.”

Flight Display Systems success this past year has been due to the demand for new products such as their popular High-Definition TV package called Fly HD. In total, Flight Display Systems has developed more than 50 aircraft entertainment products with FAA PMA approval.

David Oblinger, General Manager for Flight Display Systems

Oblinger has more than 30 years of experience in defining, developing, and implementing business process improvements. Most recently he worked as Director of Operations and Resources for Silgan Plastics Corporation developing standardized manufacturing and maintenance processes. He has also held positions of increasing responsibility with Monsanto Company and holds a degree in Electrical Engineering from Newark College of Engineering.

Flight Display Systems is growing our business in Europe. Nick Gray recently visited some of our dealers on a trip through Paris, Geneva, Basel, Zurich, and Milan. For additional information on international sales, email to nick.gray@flightdisplay.com or call +1-404-518-9842.

Paris – Visiting Cedric and team at Dassault Falcon Services

Paris – Touring the Uni-Air facility with Pascal

Geneva – At RUAG with Laurent, Ryan, Gunnar Rosenfeld (DAC), Lionel, Michel, and Nick

Geneva – Eugene from TAG Aviation was happy to hear about our new products

Lommis, Switzerland – Nick, Corina, Ralf, and Gunnar Rosenfeld (DAC)

Milan – Roberto at Northern Avionics is a long-time customer of Flight Display Systems

DAC International is our exclusive overseas distributor. For additional information on international sales, email to nick.gray@flightdisplay.com or call +1-404-518-9842.