EMS Technologies reported 2009 third-quarter revenues of $85.7 million and earnings from continuing operations of $5.8 million, a 17 percent increase compared with the same period in 2008 due to strong growth in satellite-based tracking, which offset aeronautical losses, the company announced Nov. 5.
    EMS’s newly acquired Satamatics satellite-based tracking business received an initial multi-million dollar hardware order with follow-on airtime service for mobile asset tracking in Afghanistan. The European Union (EU) also selected EMS’s Blue Force Tracking system to provide GPS position reports and emergency location information for the EU’s mission to rebuild Afghanistan’s infrastructure. Satamatics contributed $14.0 million of incremental revenue in the quarter.
     EMS’ aeronautical markets adjusted EBITDA for the third quarter fell to $3.2 million in 2009 compared with $6.9 million in 2008, putting EMS on a list of companies, including Boeing and Rockwell Collins, that saw aeronautical decreases offset by satellite gains.
    "Although present conditions have hurt the short-term outlook for some of our business areas, they have not dampened our confidence in the market potential of our products and technologies. We are rolling out promising new products in aeronautical connectivity and satellite tracking, as well as defense and logistics, with more developments underway for the future," said EMS CEO and President Paul Domorski, in a statement.