David Calvert-Jones Named CEO of Helinet Aviation Services

David Calvert-Jones Named CEO of Helinet Aviation Services

International Investment Banker Chosen to Lead Company in Next Stage of Development

LOS ANGELES, Oct. 25 /PRNewswire/ -- Helinet Aviation Services, a best-in-class provider of helicopter flight services to a diversity of markets, announced today that David Calvert-Jones has been named chief executive officer. David joined Helinet in 2004 as senior vice president, corporate strategy and succeeds company founder Alan Purwin. Purwin remains at Helinet where he will be responsible for business development.

David has served as interim CEO since this summer and was responsible for the successful management of Helinet's aerial coverage of the aftermath of Hurricane Katrina. As the only commercial operator cleared by the FAA to fly in the restricted airspace above affected areas, Helinet's aerial video footage was shown on all the networks in the United States and across the world. The company also assisted in the relief efforts by providing live video feeds to various relief management organizations and identifying trapped survivors with their high definition aerial camera system.

With a broad management background in the manufacturing, technology and agriculture industries, David brings years of international investment banking experience to the position. As CEO, he will be responsible for managing Helinet's growth in the media, defense, law enforcement, motion picture and medical industries as the company continues to expand both domestically and internationally.

Prior to Helinet, David served as managing director at Seafirst Australia Pty Ltd where he managed a portfolio of Australian and international investments. He currently serves as chairman of the board of Victorian Mariculture Developments Pty Ltd and director of Seafirst Australia Pty Ltd. He previously served as a director on the boards of Prestige Foods Manufacturing Pty Ltd, Future Fibre Technologies Pty Ltd and Integrated Packaging Group of Companies.

"David has proven himself to be an excellent manager and we believe his international experience combined with a strong background in a number of different industries makes him an ideal choice to lead the company in its next stage of development," said Purwin. "He has a great vision for Helinet and we look forward to his leadership going forward."

David earned his associate diploma in rural business management from Marcus Oldham Farm Management College in Geelong, Australia. He is a committed philanthropist who serves on the boards of a number of charitable organizations including The Murdoch Children's Research Institute Development Board and the Marcus Oldham Foundation.

An accomplished aviator, he has worked as a helicopter pilot on the motion pictures "The Island," "Domino" and the upcoming "Waist Deep" and has also volunteered as a co-pilot for the LifeFlight Helicopter Emergency Medical Service.

"Helinet has a great record of innovation in the broadcasting, medical transport, motion picture and law enforcement industries and I look forward to continuing in that tradition," said Calvert-Jones. "This is an exciting opportunity and I welcome the chance to lead the company during this period of rapid growth."

About Helinet Aviation Services

Helinet Aviation Services is an international provider of aviation services to a diversity of markets. With over 50 helicopters and controlling interests in aerial camera system manufacturer Cineflex LLC and avionics integrator Geneva Aviation, the company is recognized as one of the nation's top electronic news gathering (ENG) aerial solutions providers and also works with law enforcement to provide aerial surveillance services. In addition, Helinet regularly flies heads of state, celebrities and Fortune 500 executives, and transports patients in need of specialized care and life-saving organs to hospitals. Another facet of Helinet's business model is its entertainment division, Helinet Cinema Solutions, a turnkey provider for the most challenging aerial shots and stunts for Hollywood's top films and commercials.

Source: Helinet Aviation Services

CONTACT: Peter Epstein, pepstein@spellcom.com, or Dan Spelling, both of Spelling Communications, +1-310-477-9500, for Helinet Aviation Services

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