BROOMFIELD, COLORADO – July 30, 2008 – Aircell, the world’s leading provider of airborne communications, recently announced that Andrew Geist has been promoted as its Senior Vice President, Business Aviation Solutions, reporting to Aircell President and CEO, Jack W. Blumenstein. In his new position, Geist will be responsible for all aspects of Aircell global business aviation sales, marketing, customer service and technical support.
“Since Andy’s arrival at Aircell in 1997, I have watched with respect and admiration as he developed into a key leader,” said Blumenstein. “He has been instrumental in Aircell’s attainment of the industry-leading position it enjoys today, and we’re very pleased as he assumes an even more influential role in the company.”
Geist is an aviation veteran, bringing more than 20 years of industry experience to his new position. Prior to joining Aircell, he held positions in management and flight operations at People Express Airlines, Continental/GP Express Airlines, Jeppesen and USAIG. In addition, he was co-founder and Vice President of an FAA-Certified Repair Station that pioneered a revolutionary ultrasonic aircraft inspection program used throughout the industry today. With over 2,500 hours of flight time, he holds a Commercial Pilot certificate with single- & multi-engine ratings, and is a Certified Flight Instructor. Geist also holds a BS degree in Aerospace Science and Business Management from MSC in Denver, Colorado.
Geist’s promotion comes as the company prepares to bring two revolutionary new broadband systems to the business aviation market later this year. Both systems are available as modular add-ons to the Aircell Axxess® cabin system.
One is Aircell broadband, which will enable web surfing, full corporate and personal email, and VPN access at mobile broadband speeds, using passengers’ own Wi-Fi laptops and smartphones. Aircell broadband operates over the proprietary Aircell Mobile Broadband Network – the first wireless network designed specifically to provide mobile broadband services to commercial and business aircraft passengers flying over the U.S.
An additional offering, Aircell’s SwiftBroadband solution will provide global email, Internet, voice service and more, in the smallest and lightest Inmarsat equipment package ever offered. SwiftBroadband is Inmarsat’s global, next-generation aeronautical service. Aircell’s SwiftBroadband solution is powered by Thrane & Thrane, and it will operate at connection speeds up to 332kbps.
About Aircell
Aircell is the world’s leading provider of airborne communications and a single-source, turnkey provider of equipment, service, and technical support. 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, will revolutionize the commercial airline passenger flight experience, delivering a robust Internet experience at 35,000 feet. The Aircell Network will also provide airlines with connectivity to operations and a path to enhanced cabin services such as video, audio, television, cellular voice, cellular data and more. Business aircraft operators will be offered a similar feature set in a variety of equipment packages. 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.
