BROOMFIELD, Colo., June 18 /PRNewswire/ -- Aircell, the world's leading provider of airborne communications, announces that it has received full FAA certification (STC and PMA) for its new High Speed Internet system in the business aviation market and that shipments have commenced three months ahead of schedule. The system's first installation has been completed by Midcoast Aviation aboard a Bombardier Challenger 605 operated by a Midwest-based flight department.
Powered by the Aircell® Network, the Aircell High Speed Internet system allows passengers and crews to use their own Wi-Fi enabled devices, such as laptops, smartphones and PDAs, to surf the Web, send and receive e-mail with attachments, Instant Message, access their corporate VPN and much more - all in flight at full mobile broadband speeds. The Aircell Network utilizes the latest 3G mobile wireless technology, operating in the continental U.S. over an advanced network of ground stations and Aircell's exclusive broadband air-to-ground spectrum.
"We're very pleased to debut the Aircell High Speed Internet system in the business aviation market. By providing a true high-speed connection, it greatly transforms the travel experience and allows everyone aboard the aircraft to be more productive," said John Wade, Senior Vice President and General Manager, Aircell. "During the acceptance flight for the first installation, there were several passengers surfing the Internet, sending and receiving e-mail with attachments and downloading files simultaneously - and everything worked flawlessly. With certification in hand and the continued overwhelming acceptance of the system, today's milestone paves the way for thousands of business aircraft installations in the coming years," concluded Wade.
The proprietary Aircell system is the only solution in business aviation that provides a true high speed Internet experience that equals what passengers are accustomed to on the ground, while being small and light enough to fit on virtually any business aircraft. It is up to 56 times faster than a traditional dial-up connection. Aircell's High Speed Internet unit for business aviation (ATG 4000) weighs just 11 pounds and its two belly-mounted antennae weigh just 1.25 pounds each.
In addition to its popularity in the business aviation market, the commercial airline version of the service - Gogo® Inflight Internet - has been selected by airlines representing more than half of the North American mainline market. The system is flying today with American Airlines, Virgin America, Delta Air Lines and AirTran Airways. It is coming soon to Northwest Airlines, Air Canada and United Airlines.
High Speed Internet Equipment & Integration Information
The Aircell ATG 4000 High Speed Internet system is a modular add-on to the Aircell Axxess® cabin system. For connecting passenger devices in the cabin, customers can choose to install wired or Wi-Fi connections as part of their installation. The popularity of this new system has generated an order backlog and shipments are being fulfilled according to when orders were received - interested operators are encouraged to see their dealer or contact Aircell immediately.
Please note that aircraft upgrades like the Aircell High Speed Internet system may be eligible for bonus tax depreciation under the American Recovery and Reinvestment Act of 2009.
In addition to Aircell's exclusive air-to-ground High Speed Internet system for the continental U.S., Aircell is offering its satellite-based SwiftBroadband product for global service, which will be available in July. Aircell's SwiftBroadband product is powered by Thrane & Thrane.
About Aircell
Aircell is the world's leading provider of airborne communications and a single-source, turnkey provider of equipment, service, and technical support. With a global sales and support presence, 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. As winner of an exclusive FCC frequency license in 2006, Aircell has built a revolutionary new mobile broadband network for commercial and business aviation. In 2008, the Aircell® Network and its inflight portal, known as Gogo®, revolutionized the commercial airline passenger flight experience by delivering a robust Internet experience at 35,000 feet. The Aircell Network provides airlines with connectivity to operations and a path to enhanced cabin services such as video, audio, television and more. A similar feature set is available to Business aircraft operators. Aircell has facilities in Broomfield, Colorado, and Itasca, Illinois. Aircell's vision is to give everyone the ability to stay In Touch, In Flight®. For more information about Aircell, please visit www.aircell.com.
© 2009 Aircell. All rights reserved. Aircell, Gogo, and In Touch, In Flight are registered trademarks of Aircell Business Aviation Services LLC or its affiliates. Third-party trademarks are the property of their respective owners.
SOURCE: Aircell
Web site: http://www.aircell.com/