ANAHEIM, CA [Heli-Expo 2005] - February 6, 2005 - Aircell announces the addition of an automated flight tracking capability to its suite of airborne telecommunication systems.
With equipment installed in the aircraft, users on the ground can utilize Flight Explorer software to track the position of their aircraft in real time and tap a wealth of additional tracking features and functionality. The system uses any one of Aircell's Iridium-based satcom systems, which means equipped aircraft can be tracked anywhere in the world, at any altitude - not just those on IFR flight plans within ATC radar coverage. The system gives operators a simple, inexpensive and reliable way to track their aircraft in real time.
With an Aircell satellite transceiver and a lightweight tracking controller installed in the aircraft, GPS position data is automatically transmitted over the Iridium satellite network at customer-selected intervals. Users on the ground can view their aircraft with weather overlays, generate alerts, and record events in a real-time log using Flight Explorer on any internet-enabled PC. The system will be available for virtually any fixed- or rotor-wing aircraft.
Jack W. Blumenstein, chairman & CEO of Aircell, commented, "With this new service, we're bringing together three of the most trusted and proven names in the industry - Aircell, Flight Explorer and Iridium. This gives customers a solid solution to their flight tracking needs, and one more value-added service available from Aircell." Walt Kross, CEO of Flight Explorer, added, "We're proud to expand our presence in the corporate market by partnering with Aircell and offering this new capability to their customers."
Don Thoma, executive vice president of Iridium Satellite, commented, "We're pleased that Aircell is creating new data applications for the aviation market. Our partnership began in 2002 and the company has since become one of our leading aviation providers. In our last quarter, Aircell was one of our top Value Added Manufacturers when it came to activating new Iridium subscribers."
Pricing and availability of Aircell's flight tracking capability will be announced in the coming weeks.
Aircell® is the leader in global airborne telecommunications for the Business Aviation market. Its products are offered by virtually every fixed- and rotor-wing airframe manufacturer in business aviation, and are installed aboard the world’s four largest fractional ownership fleets. A single-source, turnkey provider of equipment, service, and technical support, Aircell simplifies airborne communications and keeps you In Touch, In Flight®.
The 2006 winner of the FCC’s exclusive broadband frequency license, Aircell is also pioneering a revolutionary new wireless broadband system for North America. Available only from Aircell, it will include robust Wi-Fi hotspots that enable airline passengers to surf the Internet, use e-mail, and log on to their corporate VPN’s using their personal 802.11a/b/g-equipped Wi-Fi data devices. The system will also offer airline operational communications capabilities and provide a path to a wealth of future cabin services.
Set for introduction in 2008, the new broadband service will also be available to business aircraft operators, offering a similar set of features.
Aircell (www.aircell.com) has facilities in Louisville, Colorado, and Itasca, Illinois, USA.
Tom Myers
Aircell, Inc.
+1.303.379.0237
tmyers@aircell.com