Garmin International Inc., a unit of Garmin Ltd. (NASDAQ: GRMN), the
global leader in satellite navigation, announced today it is celebrating
the delivery of over 100,000 GNS 400/500 series products. It is
estimated that Garmin’s 400/500 series avionics have been installed on
approximately half of all U.S. single and twin-engine piston and turbine
aircraft, which makes it among the most popular avionics of all time.
This announcement was made in conjunction with EAA AirVenture in
Oshkosh, Wis., July 27-August 2, 2009.
“We are thrilled and humbled that we’ve delivered over 100,000 GNS
400/500 series products,” said Gary Kelley, Garmin’s vice president of
marketing. “Since our inception 20 years ago, we have endeavored to
design quality products that are known for their innovation and
reliability. We are very thankful for every loyal customer who has
helped us reach this tremendous milestone, and we are committed to
serving them for years to come.”
When first announced in 1998, Garmin’s GNS 400/500 series products
revolutionized the aviation industry by being the first general aviation
products that integrated GPS, COM, VOR, LOC and glideslope into an
affordable, compact package with full-color moving map. The aviation
industry took another gigantic leap forward in November 2006, when
Garmin received Wide Area Augmentation System (WAAS) certification for
the GNS 430 and GNS 530. Today, the WAAS-enabled GNS 430W and 530W are
highly sought after avionic upgrades, and they increase safety of flight
while making it possible for pilots to operate to and from airports that
would otherwise be unavailable to them in marginal weather.
In order to commemorate the delivery of the 100,000th GNS
400/500 series product, Garmin is donating the 100,000th
unit, a GNS 530W, to the EAA Young Eagles, a non-profit organization
designed to get young people interested and involved in aviation. The
100,000th device will be auctioned at the EAA Young Eagles
Dinner at EAA AirVenture Oshkosh on July 30, and all proceeds will
benefit the EAA Young Eagles. Since 1992, more than 1.3 million Young
Eagle participants have experienced a free flight, which have been flown
by more than 41,000 volunteer pilots in 90 countries.
Garmin is currently celebrating its 20th anniversary.
Throughout its history, the company has pioneered navigation and
communication devices that enrich people’s lives.