ATLANTA, GA [NBAA Annual Meeting & Convention] – September 24, 2007 – Aircell announced today that beginning in late 2008, it will offer a SwiftBroadband product for the business aviation market. SwiftBroadband is Inmarsat’s next-generation aeronautical service that will offer global inflight voice and data connectivity, at up to 432kbps per channel. Powered by Thrane & Thrane, the new product will be sold through Aircell’s worldwide network of dealers and distributors.
Aircell’s new SwiftBroadband product will be available as a modular add-on to the Aircell Axxess cabin communication system. Aircell Axxess was designed with a “network neutral” philosophy that allows it to operate on multiple networks. With this announcement, SwiftBroadband will soon join several other network services compatible with the Aircell Axxess system, including Iridium Satellite, Inmarsat Swift64, and Aircell’s proprietary air-to-ground broadband system.
“Thrane & Thrane is the world leader in manufacturing Inmarsat-based equipment, and we’re proud to partner with such a capable organization as we continue to expand our product suite,” said Jack Blumenstein, Aircell President & CEO. “Offering SwiftBroadband equipment further manifests our network neutral philosophy with Aircell Axxess. Soon, in addition to Aircell’s own proprietary broadband service domestically, our customers will have a next-generation, global high-speed data solution available to them.”
By adding the new SwiftBroadband product to a new or pre-existing Aircell Axxess cabin system, passengers can get voice and high-speed data service on a worldwide basis, following the successful launch of the third Inmarsat-4 satellite. Initially, SwiftBroadband service will be available across the Americas, Africa, Europe and Asia.
About Thrane & Thrane
Thrane & Thrane is the world’s leading manufacturer of equipment and systems for global mobile communication based on sophisticated satellite and radio technology. Since its incorporation in 1981, the company has established a strong position within global mobile communication solutions based on the Inmarsat system and today Thrane & Thrane provides equipment for maritime, land-based and aeronautical use. The company’s products are sold throughout the world under the brands Thrane & Thrane, EXPLORER ® and SAILOR ® , through distributors and partners and as OEM products. Thrane & Thrane has approximately 800 employees and is listed on the Copenhagen Stock Exchange. More information about Thrane & Thrane at: www.thrane.com.
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.