BoardConnect Media Services already in use on more than 100 commercial aircraft
Raunheim Germany and Long Beach, California | September 26, 2017 – A completely new approach to content services provisioning characterizes the BoardConnect Media Services offered by Lufthansa Systems in collaboration with Touch Inflight Solutions Inc. (Touch). Since the two companies began cooperating closely just over a year ago, their product has been successfully installed on more than 100 aircraft of commercial airlines – including Eurowings, Austrian Airlines and Azul Linhas Aereas.
Although demand for an Internet connection is rising when it comes to onboard entertainment, current bandwidth is not yet sufficient to enable all passengers to stream content simultaneously. “While we expect connectivity to increase further and prices to drop in the next three to five years, bandwidth in the air will not be comparable to normal bandwidth on the ground even then,” said Michael Childers, Chief Consultant Content and Media Services at Lufthansa Systems. “That’s why providing airlines with a content offering stored on local servers on board the aircraft and streamed via a local WiFi network is a reliable and sustainable option that can also be combined with future Internet services. Our wireless BoardConnect in-flight entertainment (IFE) solution enables us to offer our customers exactly that.”
Integrated approach
Unlike some other IFE providers, Lufthansa Systems and Touch have adopted an integrated approach to in-flight entertainment. Rather than seeing the content and system-based components as separate entities, they directly consider the technological possibilities of the IFEC system when determining which content the product should include. The infrastructure, design and selection of content maximizes the system’s performance. What’s more, new content should be available even faster than ever. By using cloud technology and eDelivery, it makes it possible to place new content on the platform extremely fast, quickly taking Lufthansa Systems and Touch from the industry’s 90 days window to a mere fraction of this period.
“When we design the infrastructure components for the content, we have to be aware of the technical capabilities of the passengers’ current smartphones and tablets. Only then can we do everything we can to offer them a passenger experience that gets the best out of their devices,” said Joe Carreira, Managing Director of Touch Inflight Solutions. “We are working closely with Lufthansa Systems in this context. Our aim is to create solutions customized to fit the individual requirements of airlines and their passengers.”
The individual content on offer ranges from global and regional films and TV series, branded and web content, music, magazines as well as airport guides and destination content. When it comes to offering Hollywood movies, Lufthansa Systems and Touch Inflight Solutions have a direct, close and long-term working relationship with the film studios.
Content services for business jets and VIP fleets
In addition to its core target group of commercial airlines, Lufthansa Systems and Touch are also aiming their product at business jets and VIP fleets, and are working closely with Group subsidiary Lufthansa Technik and their joint venture IDAIR in this area, with first successful deliveries already having been made.
BoardConnect enables passengers to use streaming technology during a flight to access an airline’s entertainment program on their own devices. The product suite includes three hardware versions: the permanently installed classic BoardConnect solution, the flexible BoardConnect Portable version and the BoardConnect Plus connectivity solution. All products work in perfect harmony with each other and can be acquired separately or in combination. BoardConnect is already running on a total of nearly 400 aircraft, and another 300 will follow in the next twelve months.
Wednesday 20 September 2017 – Saudia and SITAONAIR are taking the inflight Wi-Fi experience for passengers to new heights by activating fresh functionalities for personalizing the onboard digital journey.
SITAONAIR has deployed its enhanced Internet ONAIR – an inflight Wi-Fi hub providing seamless inflight internet connectivity to airline passengers – aboard 76 Saudia aircraft flying to 34 destinations worldwide. It features a new, ‘world-first’ e-ticket solution, designed by SITAONAIR and Saudia, giving First and Business Class passengers access to free inflight Wi-Fi, simply by entering their e-ticket code into the portal.
Thanks to SITAONAIR’s expert integration of its Internet ONAIR service within Saudia’s customer relationship management (CRM) systems, the airline has been given full control and flexibility over creating special inflight connectivity offers for certain passenger demographics, such as frequent fliers, and for specific routes. It also means no codes need to be handled by Saudia or sent to passengers to receive their inflight Wi-Fi treat.
Saudia’s enhanced Internet ONAIR passenger experience also benefits from:
• An augmented ‘look and feel’ for mobile users, with over 90% of all Wi-Fi sessions used on mobile devices
• A new, ergonomic website design, with improved navigation and user interface
• Faster speeds for registering, validating credit cards and starting Wi-Fi sessions
• A powerful in-built ad server tool that harmonizes various advertising formats without spoiling the passenger experience.
As part of their commitment to continue providing a world-class passenger experience and pushing the boundaries of innovation, Saudia has also introduced the ability for passengers travelling on their IFC-enabled fleet to purchase Wi-Fi sessions during the initial booking phase through their passenger service system (PSS). SITAONAIR has worked in partnership with the airline and Amadeus on an Application Programming Interface (API) integration project to give passengers greater control over their inflight connectivity experience.
Director General Of Saudia, Engr. Saleh Al Jasser, says: “As an airline we recognize our passengers’ desire for seamless connectivity that speaks to them as an individual – it is at the core of our digital transformation vision. SITAONAIR’s flexible approach and digital harmonization mastery has enabled us to offer a more bespoke, enhanced Internet ONAIR experience, in full support of our innovative IFC strategy. This total enhancement has enabled us to reconfigure our Wi-Fi price plans for all our passengers, enabling us to offer the service for a lower cost.”
Dominique El Bez, VP of Strategy, SITAONAIR, says: “It has been a privilege to work with our customer Saudia to support their evolving connected aircraft reality and passenger experience goals. Our latest Internet ONAIR enhancements are delivering a next-level IFC experience for passengers through greater personalization and flexibility of service to both airlines and their passengers. Every SITAONAIR Internet ONAIR-activated airline can now benefit from our more ergonomic, mobile-friendly design and augmented user experience, and take that next step to achieving the brand-defining, individualized IFC experience passengers value.”
Internet ONAIR’s new integrated capabilities tap directly into demand from airline passengers for greater personalization in their onboard digital experience, as highlighted by SITA’s 2017 Passenger IT Trends Survey.
To discover SITAONAIR’s complete connected aircraft portfolio, and enquire about our solutions, speak to your local SITAONAIR contact or explore www.sitaonair.aero
Carlsbad, CA | July 25, 2016– The United States Defense Information Systems Agency (DISA) awarded ViaSat Inc. (NASDAQ: VSAT), a global broadband services and technology company, a non-competitive, firm-fixed-price contract to provide senior leaders and their support staff with global in-flight broadband and communications services. The award covers support for VC-25s, C-17s, C-32s, C-37s, C-40s and the complete range of VIP and special air mission aircraft.
The ViaSat in-flight internet service has been recognized industry-wide for delivering high-quality, reliable and fast in-flight internet service[1]. As noted by ViaSat, the service enables “a Situation Room in the Sky” experience – with the ability to use the in-flight broadband connection to stream full-motion high-definition video for Intelligence, Surveillance and Reconnaissance (ISR), en-route Command and Control (C2) and Search and Rescue (S&R) missions; maintain two-way communications through HD video conference calling or voice over internet protocol calls; access real-time intelligence and other location-based, live-sensor data for critical decision-making and more.
“ViaSat’s high-capacity global in-flight internet service ensures executive and government leaders and their teams can stay connected, informed and productive, maximizing the effectiveness of time in-flight with ‘Situation Room and Command Center’ connectivity in the sky,” said Ken Peterman, senior vice president and general manager, Government Systems Division, ViaSat. “This award is a significant accomplishment and we are proud to be delivering remarkably fast data speeds and an abundance of capacity to support the in-flight communications needs of our government’s senior leadership on Air Force One and other special air mission aircraft.”
ViaSat believes a key enabler to delivering this global in-flight broadband connectivity is that it offers a field-proven, certified, hybrid Ku-/Ka-band system, which will keep government aircraft connected to ViaSat’s best available satellite network. The hybrid terminal and radome enables automatic in-flight network switching across Ku- and Ka-band satellite networks for an advanced “global roaming capability.”
Award Details
According to DISA, the face value of this award is $33,052,330 funded by fiscal 2016 operations and maintenance funding. The total cumulative face value of the contract is $73,217,722. The synopsis/notice of intent was posted on the Federal Business Opportunities webpage. The period of performance is June 1, 2016, through May 31, 2017, with two six-month option periods. The Defense Information Technology Contracting Organization, Scott Air Force Base, Illinois, is the contracting activity.
Lake Forest, CA and Finland | July 11, 2016– Last year Finnair announced it would launch a wireless network connection for the majority of its wide and narrow-body aircraft.
The first wireless services were taken into use on Finnair aircraft at the end of last year onboard the new Airbus A350 XWB aircraft. Finnair will begin the installation of Wi-Fi on its long-haul Airbus A330 aircraft in October this year, and the installation is estimated to be ready in May 2017.
“In May 2017, our customers will be able to enjoy wireless network connection onboard all of our long-haul fleet. In addition to Internet access, we will have a broad offering of inflight entertainment, shopping opportunities, real-time news content and other additional services in Finnair’s free of charge Nordic Sky portal,” says Piia Karhu, SVP, Customer Experience Development.
Panasonic Avionics Corporation (Panasonic), which already supplies the connection for the A350 fleet, has been chosen as the supplier of the wireless connection on Airbus A330 aircraft. The connection will be achieved by Ku band satellite technology, which guarantees a working global network connection during a flight.
Wireless Internet access is free to Business class passengers, Finnair Plus Gold and Platinum customers, and oneworld Sapphire and Emerald level customers. Economy class passengers can purchase Internet access at an hourly rate (5 euro/hour) or for the duration of the flight (15 euro).
Lake Forest, CA | January 29, 2016– Panasonic Avionics (Panasonic), the world leader in inflight entertainment and communications, and All Nippon Airways CO., LTD (ANA) today announced a partnership to launch ANA SKY Live TV and broadband Internet services on domestic aircraft that fly routes across Japan.
ANA Sky Live TV includes three unique channels of Japanese news, sports and other popular programming from JSAT Corporation’s Sky PerfecTV! platform. Passengers will be able to watch general sports programming with Nittele G+, catch the latest news updates from Nippon TV News 24 and follow live football programming on Sukasaka!.
In addition to exclusive live television, ANA’s new experience also offers high-speed connectivity, which allows guests to stay connected and productive while they fly. Passengers will be able to use their own personal devices to access email; stay in touch with family, friends, and social media networks; and browse the Internet. This service will be further enhanced with music, television shows and other content that can be wirelessly streamed to mobile devices.
Paul Margis, President and Chief Executive Officer of Panasonic Avionics, said, “Today’s launch is the direct result of our long-standing, close relationship with ANA. From the beginning, our goal was to deliver an integrated and connected experience that keeps passengers immersed and engaged in ANA’s inflight experience. The broadband Wi-Fi and unique live television content is a first for Japan, and we are proud and honoured to partner with ANA on this exciting, new passenger amenity.”
Koji OKA, Vice President, Products & Services, All Nippon Airways said, “We wanted to push the envelope to ensure the best inflight experience for our customers. With a line-up of exciting television programming, enhanced with Internet access and other communications services, we’ve created a truly unique experience for our customers. We look forward to working with Panasonic on future technologies that even further improve the experience we offer to our guests.”
About the Service
The ANA WiFi Service and ANA SKY LIVE TV will utilize Panasonic Avionics Corporation’s eXConnect and eXTV services via satellite owned and operated by SKY Perfect JSAT Corporation.
Pictured, counter-clockwise from left: Brian Kirkdoffer, President and Clay Lacy, Founder & Chairman, Clay Lacy Aviation; John Wade, SVP & GM, Aircell; Jim Lauer, Avionics, Clay Lacy Aviation and Ed Hogan, Aircraft Owner and Clay Lacy Customer
Brian Kirkdoffer, President of Clay Lacy Aviation, said, “With the Aircell High Speed Internet system, Clay Lacy will deliver the most frequently-requested onboard service and become the first Part 135 charter operator in the world to do so. The system allows travelers to use personal laptops, PDAs and Smartphones to surf the web, send & receive e-mail with attachments, transfer large files, stream video, use a corporate VPN, and access other Internet-based services in flight. We recognize that business aircraft are an important tool for increasing productivity and full Internet connectivity is a crucial element of that. Everyone we’ve spoken to about this new system has reacted positively and we believe it is yet another example of Clay Lacy’s commitment to providing the highest level of safety, service and value to its owners and charter customers.”
Aviation legend Clay Lacy pioneered jet charter when he brought the first Learjet to the West coast over 40 years ago. Today, Clay Lacy Aviation operates one of the largest fleets of jet charter aircraft in the world, with over 20 different types of aircraft — including Gulfstreams, Challengers, Falcons, Hawkers, Embraers, Citations and Learjets.
Ed Hogan, a Clay Lacy customer and owner of the two Gulfstream 450s that will be first to receive the new system, stated, “This is the same fundamental service that has become so popular with commercial airlines and their passengers. Its reliability and functionality has been tested and proven by literally thousands of consumers. Being fully functional with a laptop and BlackBerry(®) turns the aircraft into a 500+ mph office. This service will significantly enhance productivity and should be extremely popular with owners and charter customers alike.”
John Wade, Senior Vice President and General Manager, Aircell, said, “Being in an airplane with limited or no connectivity is quickly becoming as frustrating as being in a hotel without those services. Clay Lacy Aviation’s program to make the Aircell High Speed Internet system available to passengers will set a new standard in the charter and aircraft management industry. We’re very proud to have our system selected by such a well-known and respected organization.”
As part of each installation, the aircraft will receive an Aircell Axxess(®) cabin system with an ATG 4000 High Speed Internet unit. This integrated, open architecture communications suite provides high speed Internet service via the Aircell(®) Network, as well as multiple channels of worldwide voice and narrowband data service via the Iridium satellite network.
The proprietary Aircell High Speed Internet 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 (the ATG 4000) weighs just 11 pounds and its two belly-mounted antennae weigh just 1.25 pounds each.
About Clay Lacy Aviation
Founded in 1968 by world renowned and record holding pilot Clay Lacy, Clay Lacy Aviation operates one of the largest fleets of managed and charter aircraft in the World, and is respected throughout the aviation and business world as the leader in executive jet charter and management services.
Clay Lacy Aviation operates FBOs in Los Angeles-VNY and Seattle-BFI offering charter, aircraft management, aircraft sales, a Class IV FAA Maintenance Repair Station (BKER301L), aircraft interior refurbishment and completions as well as aviation consulting services, with additional aircraft bases in Denver, Santa Monica, and West Palm Beach. Clay Lacy Aviation is also a leader in aerial cinematography utilizing its proprietary Astrovision technology to film over 3000 air-to-air photo flights including more than 150 film and television productions.
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.
FAA certification and first installation mark official debut of Aircell’s exclusive new system for business aviation; development program completed three months ahead of schedule
BROOMFIELD, Colo., June 18 – 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.
Airline will begin outfitting its fleet with in-flight Wi-Fi from Row 44 later this year
FORNEBU, Norway, April 27 – Norwegian Air Shuttle ASA, Europe’s fifth largest low-cost carrier, announced today that it is equipping its entire fleet with high-speed in-flight broadband. The airline will use a satellite-based broadband solution from Row 44.
Norwegian, winner of Air Transport World’s 2009 Market Leadership Award, will be the first European airline to equip its fleet with high-speed in-flight broadband. Norwegian will be able to offer passengers uninterrupted broadband services–Internet browsing, live international television, movies, music, mobile phones, texting, and e-commerce–to all of the airline’s 84 destinations across Europe. In addition to its current fleet, Norwegian has orders for nearly 50 new planes–all of which the airline will equip with Row 44’s broadband service.
“Norwegian has become one of the most successful carriers by relentlessly adding value to our passengers’ travel experience,” said Bjorn Kjos, CEO of Norwegian. Row 44’s system will help us add exciting new productivity and entertainment services to our flights–creating more satisfied and loyal passengers and crew, giving Norwegian a strong competitive advantage, and adding significantly to our bottom line.”
“Norwegian Air Shuttle is widely considered one of the most innovative, agile, and forward-thinking airlines in the world. They are an extremely strong organization led by disciplined, insightful professionals. Norwegian is known for creating and rapidly deploying new capabilities that delight their passengers,” said John Guidon, Row 44’s CEO. “Row 44 is honored that Norwegian has chosen our in-flight broadband to enhance their passenger and crew experience and create a powerful new profit center.”
Row 44 will begin installing its broadband system on Norwegian planes in the fourth quarter of 2009.
About Norwegian Air Shuttle ASA
Norwegian Air Shuttle ASA is a low-fare, point-to-point airline, registered on the Oslo Stock Exchange, employing approx. 1500 people. Norwegian operates a total of 175 routes to 83 destinations. In 2008 Norwegian Air Shuttle ASA transported 9.1 million passengers. The company’s headquarters are located at Fornebu, outside Oslo.
DALLAS, April 1 – [AEA International Convention & Trade Show] – Aircell, the world’s leading provider of airborne communications, announces the achievement of several key development milestones for the company’s high-speed Internet system for the business aviation market. Advance provisioning equipment is available now and full system shipments will begin this September.
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 at full mobile broadband speeds in flight. The Aircell Network utilizes the latest 3G mobile wireless technology, operating in the U.S. over an advanced network of ground stations and Aircell’s exclusive broadband air-to-ground spectrum.
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 High Speed Internet – Summary of Key Developments
- The high speed Internet equipment for business aviation – the Aircell ATG 4000 – is on schedule for delivery in September this year. A shipping backlog exists and shipments will be fulfilled according to when orders were received.
- 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 and Delta Air Lines. It is coming soon to Air Canada, Northwest and United Airlines with additional airlines to be announced soon.
- The Aircell onboard equipment and air-to-ground network have exceeded expectations for reliability, performance and ease-of-use in round-the-clock service in the airline market. Passengers continue to give the system rave reviews.
- Pre-production prototypes of the business aviation equipment package (including the Aircell ATG 4000 unit) have been up and operating live in Aircell’s development facility for several months.
- Qualification testing and the STC/PMA certification process for the ATG 4000 are well underway.
- Aircell is set to launch its alpha testing phase in the coming weeks, where an extensive protocol of flight & usability tests will be carried out aboard live aircraft.
- Development of provisioning kits – including the antenna system, connectors, wiring and mounting tray – is now complete and the kits are available to business aircraft operators. Installing a provisioning kit during scheduled downtime simplifies the installation once the ATG 4000 units become available in September.
John Wade, Senior Vice President and General Manager, Aircell, commented, “The Aircell High Speed Internet system is game-changing technology that will dramatically transform the business aviation travel experience. What better way to increase the productivity and utility of a business aircraft than by allowing passengers to do business en route – giving them full and effortless access to their corporate VPN, high speed Internet, e-mail with attachments and much more.” Wade continued, “We’re very pleased that our business aviation development program continues to achieve its milestones. The ATG 4000 will be a very mature product when it comes to market – one that will benefit from nearly two years of network service history and tens of thousands of hours in revenue service with commercial airlines,” concluded Wade.
Aircell Makes History on the CBS Early Show
The groundbreaking nature of Aircell’s new Inflight Internet services has attracted a whirlwind of interest from worldwide media outlets in recent months. Aircell was featured recently on The CBS Early Show, which was broadcast live over the Aircell Network aboard a Virgin America A319 aircraft flying over Boston. Representing a first for aviation and broadcast television, the Aircell Network flawlessly delivered live television to more than 4,000,000 viewers while traveling at 35,000 feet and 500 miles per hour that morning. Multiple broadcasts were featured, including live interviews with Sir Richard Branson and Aircell CEO Jack Blumenstein. Web-resolution copies of these historic video segments are available at the following hyperlink:
http://www.cbsnews.com/stories/2009/02/12/earlyshow/main4796004.shtml
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 wireless (Wi-Fi) connections with their installation. The popularity of this new system is generating an order backlog – 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. 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.
The 2009 Aircraft Interiors Expo was extremely productive for SIE. Structural Integrity Engineering (SIE) has long experience with antenna installation design and certification on commercial, business and military aircraft. So at Hamburg, it was gratifying to see the broadband connectivity market reaching a level of growth and maturity where installations are going to ramp up and the broadband dream can be realized.”