BROOMFIELD, CO – Aircell, a 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," says 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."
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 11 pounds and its two belly-mounted antennae weigh 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.
For more information visit www.aircell.com.
