A Clare-based initiative which helps locate aircraft at the centre of search and rescue operations around the world is already making a life-saving contribution.
The ALERT system was launched by the Irish Aviation Authority last year, and is based at their facility in Ballygirreen.
Using a network of satellites, the service can provide much more accurate details on the location of missing aircraft, and the service has received 43 emergency requests for help in the last twelve months.
Sean Patrick of the Irish Aviation Authority has outlined how, in at least one case, the technology helped to save the life of a pilot in the Bahamas whose plane had crashed into the Ocean.