BROOMFIELD, CO – Aircell, a provider of airborne communications, announces that Cessna will offer Aircell's new High Speed Internet system as a factory option aboard its Citation XLS+, Citation Sovereign, and Citation X business jets.
"Companies operate business aircraft to get more done – plain and simple – and nothing increases productivity more than having a full-scale Internet connection available in flight," says Roger Whyte, Senior Vice President of Sales & Marketing, Cessna Aircraft Company. "The Aircell High Speed Internet system is a game-changer because it's the first system that provides a true high speed Internet experience like that to which passengers are accustomed to on the ground, while being small and light enough to fit comfortably into our midsize Citations. The system's high data rates, relatively low acquisition cost and affordable monthly service fees all combine to create an unmatched value proposition for our customers."
Powered by the Aircell Network, the Aircell High Speed Internet system allows passengers to use their own Wi-Fi enabled devices, such as laptops, tablet PCs, smartphones and PDAs, to surf the Web, send and receive e-mail with attachments, access their corporate Virtual Private Networks (VPN) and more.
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 system is up to 56 times faster than a traditional dial-up connection. The High Speed Internet unit for business aviation (ATG 4000) weighs 11 pounds, and the two belly-mounted antennae weigh 1.25 pounds each.
"We're very pleased to continue our longstanding relationship with Cessna," says John Wade, Senior Vice President and General Manager, Aircell. "Before Aircell High Speed Internet, the cost and weight of high-speed connectivity was prohibitive for most Citation operators and we’re pleased to bring a whole new dimension of capabilities to those customers."
The first Aircell High Speed Internet system installations from the Cessna factory will be available for new Citation XLS+, Sovereign, and Citation X aircraft to deliver in the second quarter of 2010.
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 Air Canada and United Airlines.
Aircraft upgrades such as the Aircell High Speed Internet system may be eligible for bonus tax depreciation under the American Recovery and Reinvestment Act of 2009.
