BROOMFIELD, Colo., Dec. 17 / PRNewswire / -- Aircell, the world's leading provider of airborne communications, reports that 2009 represented a major turning point in business aviation connectivity. This is due almost exclusively to the rapid proliferation of two new airborne communications technologies - Aircell High Speed Internet (via the Aircell ® Network) and SwiftBroadband (via the Inmarsat-4 series of satellites). In 2009, Aircell added both these new technologies to its business aviation product line.
John Wade, Senior Vice President and General Manager, Aircell, said, "After a generation of effort, the industry's 'airborne office' concept became a genuine reality for business aviation in 2009. For the first time, passengers in all sizes of business aircraft - even the light and midsize categories - can use their own devices to access the entire Internet just like they're accustomed to doing on the ground. Previously, these services were only available to the largest of business aircraft. Aircell is proud to have played a key role in reaching this memorable milestone. 2010 will extend this trend as system installations continue and employees at an increasing number of companies see how productive it is to be fully connected while they fly."
Demand for the Aircell High Speed Internet system is at record levels. More than 300 orders have been received since shipments began in June 2009 - an adoption rate that exceeds all previous product introductions. Aircell will continue working to fulfill its backlog as it moves into 2010.
Due to its performance, reliability and ease of use, Aircell High Speed Internet has been met with rave reviews in the market. After completing a series of charter trips equipped with Aircell High Speed Internet, one U.S.-based Falcon 2000 Chief Pilot said, "To say the least, the reaction from passengers was all smiles. One group said they didn't want to get off the airplane - they were pounding away on their Blackberrys and laptops. Everybody just loves the system."
Aircell's Wade continued, "We exceeded even our own high expectations this year. In this economy, our record order intake makes it abundantly clear that Inflight Internet is seen as a business accelerator and that companies trying to increase productivity see the benefit of keeping their employees working while they fly. This year, Aircell's two new connectivity systems were quickly adopted by virtually every segment of business aviation including charter, fractional, managed, OEM and military/government, as well as traditional flight departments and fleet operators."
Along with first shipments of its Aircell High Speed Internet and SwiftBroadband products (in June and July, respectively), 2009 included a number of additional major milestones and announcements in business aviation:
In addition to Aircell High Speed Internet's popularity in the business aviation market, the commercial airline version - 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, Air Canada, United Airlines and AirTran Airways. It is coming soon to Northwest Airlines, US Airways and Continental Airlines. Aircraft are being equipped at a rapid rate and Aircell expects to have the system flying on 700 airline aircraft by year-end. Aircell is expecting its two millionth Gogo user session in early 2010.
Overview of Aircell's Business Aviation Connectivity Systems
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.
Press Contact
Tom Myers
Director, Marketing
Office +1.303.301.3237
tmyers@aircell.com