Aircraft flies with Far East deal

Published on Thursday 1 May 2008 21:49

MEDICAL devices specialist Aircraft Medical is expecting to generate £1.5 million in sales after signing its first distribution agreement in the Asian Pacific region.

The Edinburgh company's video laryngoscope allows hospital staff and paramedics to intubate patients more easily without damaging teeth, tissue or vocal chords.

Aircraft, which already has distribution deals in Europe and the US, said its latest agreement covered Australia and New Zealand.

Australian firm Medtel, part of Getz Bros, will gain exclusive distribution rights in the two countries for a period of five years.

Matt McGrath, who set up Aircraft Medical in 2001 and is its chief executive, said: "I am excited to have secured this deal in what is a new market for us. Medtel have impressed us with their depth of experience in the Australasian medical technology market, and we are pleased with the resource now being allocated to our technology."

Medtel general manager Eddy Stanley added: "We are really pleased to be bringing the (laryngoscope] to the Australasian market and to be working with such an exciting company. This deal expands our product range and the timing is excellent to allow us to launch at our major national meeting."

Earlier this year, Aircraft was forced to defend itself against allegations by US rival Verathon that the Scots firm had breached a patent on its video laryngoscope.