LOUISVILLE, CO – August 8, 2006 – Aircell, Inc. today announced that it has received EASA certification for its popular ST 3100 satcom system aboard a Cessna Citation 550.
“We’re very proud of this latest Aircell certification and pleased at the assurance and installation ease that it will provide our customers and dealers,” said Jean-Luc Rosenfeld, who is responsible for Aircell’s European operations. “It will allow us to continue the dramatic growth we’re experiencing here in Europe.”
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).
In related news, the Aircell Axxess™ satcom system is also in the process of EASA certification for multiple aircraft types, with completion expected soon.
The Aircell ST 3100 system is the industry’s best-selling satcom system, and is standard or optional equipment on nearly two dozen OEM aircraft programs worldwide. It operates on the Iridium Satellite System, providing pilots and passengers all-altitude, all-latitude coverage throughout the world.
In addition to its telephone capability, the ST 3100 system acts as a global communications link, providing inflight services such as graphical weather, messaging and ATC information through Universal Avionics' UniLink; 24-hour medical service through MedLink Powered by Aircell; and real time news, sports, and financial data through Rockwell Collins' Airshow Network.
The ST 3100 includes next-generation handsets, which were announced this spring. The new handsets incorporate full color displays with intuitive graphical menus, advanced noise reduction, integrated headset/earbud jacks, internal phone books and a variety of user-customizable features. Shipping of the new handsets is scheduled to begin this month.
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