In aviation we still routinely use these LW stations, with ours being based in Stockholm. They can be accessed anywhere in the world and we can even have a telephone conversation with say our operations departments whilst enroute. Normally when out of touch on VHF, if we need to be contacted we have whats called SELCAL. You check in before going off to the Canaries for example with Shannon Radio(LW), and if they need you they can selectively call(SEL CAL) you with some chimes and lights alerts on the flight deck.
We use the airframe as the transmitter, and have to tune it in before transmitting!
