EBACE: Geneva, Switzerland | May 21, 2014 – The improved SD Flight Tracker now has integrated position reports generated by SwiftBroadband and features richer mapping capability using Google Maps.
Satcom Direct’s Flight Tracker is a state-of-the-art global mapping solution that graphically displays precise fleet coordinates. Its ability to track aircraft globally has been enhanced with an additional source of position data.
Satcom Direct has exclusive access to this data from Inmarsat and blends it with position data received from other sources including the Federal Aviation Administration (FAA), NavCanada and Satcom Direct’s own FlightDeck Freedom datalink to provide the most comprehensive flight tracking service available.
“SwiftBroadband is updated every two minutes as compared to other sources. For some aircraft, this may be their only reliable source of position data. It allows our customers to track their aircraft worldwide and ensure they know its status at all times,” said Scott Hamilton, Satcom Direct chief strategy officer. “SwiftBroadband position reports are available globally whereas some sources, including the FAA and NavCanada, are only available regionally.”
SD Flight Tracker also has been upgraded to use Google Maps which provides advanced mapping capabilities including street level maps which are useful for helicopter tracking. The SD Flight Tracker enhancements provide for a fast and intuitive user interface, and it can now be accessed on any mobile device. Previously, it was only available on PCs.
SD Flight Tracker’s advanced mapping technology is the only solution to provide network overlays, planned and actual flight routes, and aircraft satcom status to provide complete situational awareness for dispatchers and maintenance personnel.
- First BBJ 787 already entered into service; first 747-8 enters into service this year
EBACE Geneva, Switzerland | May 19, 2014– Boeing [NYSE: BA] Business Jets has outperformed the competition in the widebody market segment for private business jets, with widebody airplane orders now accounting for more than one-third of Boeing’s total VIP orders.
Boeing announced today at the European Business Aviation Conference & Exhibition (EBACE) that since the 787 and 747-8 became available for BBJ conversion in 2006, the response to Boeing’s VIP widebody product line has been strong. Business leaders and heads of state customers overwhelmingly choose widebody Boeing VIP airplanes over the competition.
“Over the past eight years, Boeing Business Jets has distinguished itself in the VIP widebody market. We saw an opportunity in the business jet market for widebody airplanes and now we are seeing it pay off,” said Steve Taylor, president, Boeing Business Jets. “Our airplanes have the biggest cabins, allowing our customers to customize the airplane to meet their specific needs and provide unmatched comfort on long-haul routes.”
In 2014, even more Boeing VIP widebody airplanes will enter the market. One BBJ 787 delivered in 2013 has already entered into service. Additionally in 2014, the first BBJ 747-8 will enter into service and be operated by an undisclosed customer.
At EBACE, Taylor also announced the updated range of the BBJ MAX. The BBJ MAX will enable customers to have greater flexibility by allowing them to fly farther, carry more cargo and improve their overall flying experience with a larger cabin. The extended range for the BBJ MAX of 6,435 nautical miles will allow customers to connect to more cities worldwide.
The BBJ MAX launched in early 2014 and the first delivery will be in 2018.
Boeing Business Jets offers a wide variety of ultra-large-cabin, long-range airplanes perfectly suited for the private jet market. The product line includes the BBJ, BBJ 2 and BBJ 3 – high-performance derivatives of the commercially successful Next-Generation 737 and 737 MAX families – as well as Boeing twin-aisle airplanes including the 747-8, 767, 777 and 787 Dreamliner.
- Company is fielding two cost-effective equipment packages to meet forthcoming cockpit data link mandates
EBACE Geneva, Switzerland | May 19, 2014– Gogo Inc. (NASDAQ: GOGO), announces that its business aviation group, Aircell, has unveiled two new solutions designed to help business aircraft operators comply with the global aviation industry’s forthcoming FANS (Future Air Navigation System) mandates.
Because Aircell’s FANS solutions operate over Iridium satellite technology, they are significantly less expensive to install than traditional satellite-based equipment packages. John Wade, Aircell’s Executive Vice President and General Manager, said, “FANS is one of the hottest topics in the business aviation industry right now. Aircell is pleased to offer cost-effective and lightweight solutions to help aircraft operators comply with the forthcoming cockpit data link mandates.”
FANS capabilities are becoming mandatory for aircraft on the most desirable and frequently-used oceanic routes between North America and Europe. FANS technologies allow flight crews and air traffic controllers to exchange safety-sensitive flight information via digital data link – such as clearances and requests to climb or descend. They also enable automated position reporting via the aircraft’s Flight Management System. FANS can enable aircraft to obtain preferential altitudes and routing which improves efficiency, reduces fuel consumption and saves time.
Aircell is offering two systems that meet all eligibility requirements for inclusion as part of a comprehensive, certified FANS solution.
Aircell’s FANS-over-Iridium (FOI) Systems
- Aircell Axxess System. First introduced in 2005, Aircell Axxess is a very prolific system in the business aviation market – currently flying on thousands of aircraft and offered as standard or optional equipment by most major business aircraft manufacturers. Paired with Aircell’s Data Interface Unit (DIU), the Aircell Axxess FANS solution will be available to existing Aircell Axxess customers as a field retrofit through a special upgrade/exchange program. It will also be available for new installations. System upgrades and shipments are expected to begin in June 2014.
- ST 4300 System. Announced in March of this year, the ST 4300 is Aircell’s most advanced Iridium-based communications solution. The system’s optional FANS capabilities can be specified during initial system purchase and installation, or by purchasing the respective dealer-installed software keys for an existing system in the field. First shipments of the ST 4300 system are expected in June 2014 and the system’s FANS capabilities are expected to be available starting in Q4 2014.
- Becomes single-source provider of Swift Broadband in-flight connectivity – encompassing on-board equipment, airtime and #1-ranked product support
EBACE Geneva, Switzerland | May 19, 2014– Gogo Inc. (NASDAQ: GOGO), announces that its business aviation group, Aircell, has officially unveiled comprehensive SwiftBroadband airtime programs for the business aviation market. Aircell was previously appointed a Distribution Partner for SwiftBroadband, which is a near-global in-flight connectivity service from Inmarsat plc.
Business aircraft operators all over the world can now choose from a wide variety of innovative SwiftBroadband data and voice plans offered by Aircell, along with a large selection of key value-added services and self-care tools.
Overview – SwiftBroadband Airtime from Aircell
• “Pay-as-you-go” monthly data plans with no overage charges, no fixed monthly fees and no minimum usage requirements.
• Single monthly invoices for all SwiftBroadband, Iridium and Gogo Biz airtime services
• Data compression and acceleration services included at no charge
• Online, self-care tools provide easy, anytime access to billing information and usage monitoring (available July 2014)
• Multi-aircraft discounts
• Money-saving annual data plans for heavy data users
• Exclusive services such as Gogo Text & Talk, which allows passengers to call and text with their own personal smartphones and mobile numbers (coming soon for SwiftBroadband; available now for Gogo Biz).
John Wade, Aircell’s Executive Vice President and General Manager, said, “In the business aviation market, SwiftBroadband is a very important service that continues to fulfill worldwide demand for in-flight connectivity. Aircell added SwiftBroadband equipment to its portfolio in 2009 and today, we further deepen our global capabilities with the addition of SwiftBroadband airtime. As a single-source provider of equipment, airtime and #1-ranked product support, we make it easy for aircraft operators to manage and deliver the service to their passengers.”
Aircell has integrated the new SwiftBroadband airtime services into the company’s greater back-office operations and support infrastructure – including the company’s multiple, redundant Network Operations Centers (NOCs).
To help kick off its new airtime program, Aircell is offering an introductory incentive that gives new customers one month of free data service when activating a new SwiftBroadband service plan prior to December 31, 2014. More information is available at www.aircell.com/maketheswitch.
For more information about Aircell’s new SwiftBroadband airtime programs, business aircraft operators should contact Shuaib Shahid on +44 75 8563 3323 or sshahid@aircell.com.
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