Aircell to Offer New SwiftBroadband Equipment Package

GENEVA, SWITZERLAND (EBACE 2010) – May 3, 2010 – Aircell, the world’s leading provider of airborne communications, announces that it will offer a new SwiftBroadband connectivity solution for the business aviation market. By reducing antenna size and increasing affordability, this new system will make satellite-based voice and data connectivity practical for a whole new segment of the industry, including light jets and turboprops.

Based on Thrane & Thrane’s new AVIATOR 200, the new system pairs the proven, lightweight avionics equipment found in Aircell’s existing SwiftBroadband solution 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.

The system will operate exclusively over the newly announced SwiftBroadband 200 service from Inmarsat. Operators will be able to seamlessly use their personal laptops and mobile devices for e-mail and light Internet services at up to 200 kbps with coverage in any of several world regions. They can also use the system’s integrated cabin handsets to make and receive voice calls – all in a single equipment package.

“With a simple, blade-style antenna and the new SwiftBroadband 200 service, this new package is an exciting option for operators seeking a cost-effective satellite-based voice and data system,” said John Wade, Aircell’s Executive Vice President and General Manager. “It’s ideal for smaller aircraft where equipment size and weight are paramount.”

Complete pricing and availability will be released in the coming weeks. All Aircell products are available through the company’s worldwide dealer and distributor network.

Through its diverse line of airborne communications products, Aircell offers one of the industry’s largest selections of network services. These services span multiple technologies, including air-to-ground, low-earth orbit satellite and geostationary satellite. For connectivity, in addition to its global SwiftBroadband solution, Aircell is offering its proprietary High Speed Internet system that operates on an advanced network of air-to-ground wireless stations in the United States.