Press Release: FTI leading the way in aviation safety

A communication systems company is sending out all the right signals after landing two top national awards.FTI Communication Systems, based at the University of Warwick Science Park’s Venture Centre, in Sir William Lyons Road, has been recognised as a leading light in the communications market after securing a prestigious KTP (Knowledge Transfer Partnership) award and CASE (Collaborative Awards in Science and Engineering).The two awards are UK-wide and recognise the firm’s commitment to developing technology and talent in the communications field, while at the same time offering the company additional financial and technical support to continue this trend.Both the KTP and CASE awards will see the company form close links with the University of Warwick while selected post graduate students from the institution work alongside the company to help the business develop over the next three years.The company specialises in the field of fibre optic communications and has expertise in airport communication technology where it produces products used in air traffic control systems such as radar, control towers and Instrumentation Landing Systems, both in the UK and abroad. Birmingham Airport is one of many UK airports using FTI equipment.A strong emphasis is placed on developing the safety and reliability aspects of the company’s systems and this area is set to be developed further in both existing and future products during the coming years.  FTI is currently working to establish communications standards for new airport control towers.Andrew Stephinson, managing director of FTI Communications, said: “It is fantastic to receive this kind of recognition on a national level and we are looking forward to working closely with the University of Warwick over the coming years.“These programmes are mutually beneficial as they allow us to develop our business while also providing up and coming talent in the industry the chance to develop their skills.“We place a major emphasis on the reliability of our products as safety is paramount – particularly in the field of aviation – and these programmes will allow us to further enhance the high quality of our systems.”The company was established in 1984 and has been based at the University of Warwick Science Park’s Venture Centre since 1994.The programmes could lead to the development of new products and open up new markets allowing the business to expand its current workforce of eight people.Other areas in which safety is paramount are set to be targeted by FTI including nuclear power, rail travel and the process industries.David Rowe, director of the University of Warwick Science Park, said: “We are delighted to see FTI Communications become the latest in a string of companies based here at the Venture Centre to gain recognition for its innovative work.“FTI’s technology cutting-edge and we are delighted that it is being developed here at the University of Warwick Science Park.“These awards emphasise the quality of the exciting plans FTI Communications have for the future and we are looking forward to supporting them every step of the way.”ENDS.Media enquiries:Simon GilbertAdvent Communications2 Edison BuildingElectric WharfSandy LaneCoventry CV1 4JATel: 024 7663 3636http://www.advent-communications.co.uk