Landmark Product Donated To EAA Young Eagles

Garmin International announced Monday morning 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.

"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 give 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.  Garmin's market breadth in the GPS industry is second to none having developed innovative products and established market leadership position in each of the markets it serves, including automotive, aviation, marine, fitness, outdoor recreation and wireless applications.

FMI: www.garmin.com