ATLANTA, GA [NBAA Annual Meeting & Convention] – October 18, 2010 – Aircell, the world’s leading provider of inflight connectivity, today announced that shipments are imminent for its new AVIATOR 200 SwiftBroadband solution. With reduced antenna size and increased affordability, this new system makes satellite-based connectivity practical for a whole new segment of the industry, including light jets and turboprops.
Originally announced at EBACE 2010, the new AVIATOR 200 pairs the proven, lightweight avionics equipment found in existing SwiftBroadband solutions with a small, low-gain satcom antenna. The result is a reduction in overall system size and weight as well as the cost and complexity of aircraft modifications. Aircell’s SwiftBroadband solutions are powered by Thrane & Thrane.
With the AVIATOR 200 equipment package and newly-launched SwiftBroadband 200 service from Inmarsat, operators can seamlessly use their personal laptops and mobile devices for e-mail and light Internet services at up to 200 kbps with coverage virtually anywhere in the world. They can also use the system’s integrated cabin handsets to make and receive voice calls.
“The SwiftBroadband service continues to set the standard for affordable, global connectivity,” said John Wade, Aircell’s Executive Vice President and General Manager. “The AVIATOR 200 is a great new option for aircraft that operate regionally and don’t require the higher bandwidth offered by other SwiftBroadband systems. The small antenna is a big part of this new system – since it’s about the size of a VHF antenna, it allows for straightforward installation. We’re very pleased to offer the system to the business aviation market.”
Here is a summary of Aircell’s two SwiftBroadband solutions, both of which operate over the newest generation of satellite technology from Inmarsat:
·AVIATOR 200 (new). Offers voice service and data connectivity at up to 200 kbps in multiple world regions. Incorporates a small, low-gain antenna (LGA). System weight is approximately 13 lbs. Equipment cost is approximately $55,000, which excludes installation and varies according to selected options and other factors.
·AVIATOR 300. Offers voice service and data connectivity at up to 332 kbps on a near-global basis. Incorporates an intermediate-gain antenna. Total system weight is approximately 17 lbs. Equipment cost is approximately $95,000, which excludes installation and varies according to selected options and other factors.
Through a comprehensive product portfolio, Aircell offers one of the industry’s largest selections of network services – including Iridium Satellite, Inmarsat SwiftBroadband and Gogo Biz™ Inflight Internet. These services span multiple technologies, including air-to-ground, low-earth orbit satellite and geostationary satellite. All Aircell products are available through the Company’s worldwide dealer and distributor network.
Aircell is displaying its complete family of airborne communications systems this week in Booth 3737 at the National Business Aviation Association (NBAA) annual meeting & convention in Atlanta.
