GENEVA, SWITZERLAND [EBACE 2006] – May 3, 2006 – Since Aircell officially entered the worldwide telecommunications market in 2003, acceptance for the company’s products has continually increased. With an additional emphasis placed on staffing, product design, and support in Europe over the past 12 months, Aircell has seen a dramatic increase in interest and acceptance in that region.
Aircell’s 2005 European sales doubled over 2004 levels. The company continues to be active with European airframe OEM’s and their U.S. counterparts, including Piaggio, Dassault and Pilatus. Aircell systems are also operating aboard the fleet of Europe’s leading fractional ownership operator. Aircell has EASA Part 145 approval (certificate reference number EASA.145.5595).
Aircell Axxess™, the company’s new, next-generation Satcom system has received FAA certification, and follow-on EASA certification is now underway. EASA certification is expected to be complete this summer. Many of Europe’s largest installation facilities are Aircell dealers. Three of those facilities are leading the EASA certification effort for Aircell Axxess. They are:
Jean-Luc Rosenfeld recently joined the Aircell staff as European Sales Manager. Based in Cortaillod, Switzerland, Jean-Luc is responsible for leading Aircell’s European sales effort and managing the company’s growing network of dealers and installation facilities.
An experienced aviation professional, Jean-Luc comes to Aircell from DAC International where he was European GA Sales Manager, representing a broad range of aviation products in the region, including Aircell. He reports to Andrew Geist, Aircell Vice President, Global Business Aviation Sales. Earlier in his career, Jean-Luc held technical positions with high-tech companies Silicon Graphics and EM Micro-Electronique Marin.
“We’re very pleased to welcome Jean-Luc to our staff. His extensive aviation background and prior experience representing Aircell’s products make him an invaluable asset to our customers and dealers in Europe,” said Geist.
Aircell Axxess is an all-new, multi-channel, wireless and broadband-ready satcom system designed for medium-to-large business aircraft. The standard Aircell Axxess system includes two Iridium satellite communications channels for quality voice and narrowband data services. Through its integrated expansion ports, up to two additional Iridium channels can be added to suit the operator’s needs. In addition, through the system’s Ethernet port, operators can add an Inmarsat broadband connection on a plug-and-play basis.
Aircell Axxess’ standard, certified handsets include large, color displays – an industry first – as well as advanced noise cancelling technology and standard ear bud/headset jacks for clear, quiet calling. Aircell Axxess’ wireless capabilities include a full 802.11b/g Wi-Fi “hotspot” which, when paired with a broadband connection, can be used to operate personal laptops, PDA’s and other Wi-Fi devices in the cabin. Aircell Axxess’ wireless features will become available pending FAA certification in Q3 2006, with EASA certification following shortly thereafter.
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