Cessna Selects Aircell for Global Inflight Connectivity

May 16, 2011
Beginning in 2012, Cessna Aircraft Company will offer Aircell’s Aviator 300 system as an option on new Citation XLS+, Citation Sovereign and Citation X business aircraft.

GENEVA, SWITZERLAND [EBACE 2011] – May 16, 2011 – Aircell, the world’s leading provider of inflight connectivity, today announced that beginning in 2012, Cessna Aircraft Company will offer Aircell’s Aviator 300 system as an option on new Citation XLS+, Citation Sovereign and Citation X business aircraft.

The Aviator 300 will be fully integrated with the Aircell Axxess® cabin system, seamlessly delivering a robust, global inflight connectivity experience. Passengers and crew can send and receive e-mail with attachments, surf the web, access a corporate VPN and more, using their own Wi-Fi-enabled laptops, tablets, electronic flight bags, and smartphones. They can also place and receive voice calls using integrated cabin handsets.

“The demand for inflight connectivity continues to increase rapidly – it’s quickly becoming a vital element of the travel experience,” said Mark Paolucci, Senior Vice President, Sales and Marketing, Cessna Aircraft Company. “With today’s announcement, we’re proud to offer our midsize-aircraft customers a complete menu of inflight connectivity services straight from the factory.”

Here is a summary of the Aircell connectivity systems now offered on Citation XLS+, Citation Sovereign and Citation X aircraft:

1. Aircell Aviator 300 System (www.aircell.com/products-services/aviator-300).

Provides global data connectivity for e-mail and light Internet service at up to 332 kbps via the Inmarsat SwiftBroadband service. Aircell’s SwiftBroadband solutions are powered by Thrane & Thrane.

2. Aircell Axxess® System (www.aircell.com/products-services/aircell-axxess)

Provides dual channels of global voice service via Iridium Satellite. Also provides essential, network-neutral cabin infrastructure including an in-cabin wireless access point.

3. Aircell ATG 4000 System (www.aircell.com/products-services/atg-4000)

Provides true high-speed Internet service via Gogo Biz™ in the Continental U.S. and portions of Alaska.

“The Aviator 300 is an ideal solution for affordable, global connectivity,” said John Wade, Aircell’s Executive Vice President & General Manager, Business Aviation Services. “Aircell products are now available on nearly every aircraft in Cessna’s turbine product line, and we’re proud to extend our longstanding relationship with this agreement,” concluded Wade.

Aircell is displaying its entire inflight connectivity range at EBACE 2011 in Geneva this week, stand #1735. There will be a significant number of aircraft on static that have one or more Aircell connectivity systems aboard, allowing attendees to see them up close. Aircell will also be tweeting from the show – follow @AircellBizav by visiting www.twitter.com/aircellbizav.

For more information about Aircell connectivity solutions in the European market, operators are invited to contact Jean-Luc Rosenfeld, Aircell European Sales Manager, at [email protected] or +41.32.841.2838.

About Aircell

Aircell is the world’s leading provider of inflight connectivity 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.