GENEVA, SWITZERLAND [EBACE] – May 19, 2008 – Aircell® announces that Piaggio Aero will offer two Aircell broadband options aboard the P.180 Avanti II equipped with the new “.it” technology option package. This will give P.180 customers the choice of U.S. or global inflight connectivity for email, web surfing and corporate VPN access. The announcement is the first broadband system selection by a major business aviation OEM since Aircell began taking orders less than one month ago.
“By the new P.180 Avanti II technology option package, we wish to offer the most reliable, capable and cost-effective broadband connectivity available. Aircell’s high-speed data solutions are small, light and a perfect fit for our customers, regardless of where they fly in the world,” said Giuliano Felten, Piaggio Aero Vice President Commercial. “In addition, we have worked with Aircell for many years and their one-stop-shop approach to products, service and support is truly outstanding.”
Jack W. Blumenstein, Aircell President & CEO, said, “We’re proud to continue our longstanding relationship with Piaggio by making broadband service available to their customers. Our commitment to offering both air-to-ground and satellite-based broadband solutions means that they can choose the technology and equipment that best suits their needs.”
Beginning in the third quarter of 2009, the following broadband network and equipment packages will be available to P.180 Avanti II buyers from the factory:
U.S. Service – Aircell Broadband
In March of this year, Aircell announced the completion and full operational readiness of the 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. The Aircell system will enable web surfing, full corporate and personal email, and VPN access at mobile broadband speeds, using passengers’ own Wi-Fi laptops and smartphones. In addition to serving business aviation, the Aircell Network powers Gogo™, Aircell’s Inflight Internet service for airline passengers. Gogo will soon launch aboard the world’s largest airline, American Airlines®, and one of America’s newest airlines, Virgin America®. In choosing this package, Piaggio customers will receive the complete Aircell Axxess® cabin communications system along with the Aircell broadband module, which will be 4 MCU or less in size.
Global Service – SwiftBroadband
SwiftBroadband is Inmarsat’s global, next-generation aeronautical service that will offer global inflight voice and data connectivity at up to 432kbps per channel (depending on antenna choice). Powered by Thrane & Thrane, Aircell’s SwiftBroadband solution will offer Piaggio customers global email, Internet, voice service and more, in the smallest and lightest Inmarsat equipment package ever offered. Sold and fully supported through Aircell and its worldwide dealer and distributor network, it includes a dual LRU system – one being 2 MCU and the other, approximately 1 MCU. The system’s standard intermediate-gain antenna provides connection speeds up to 332kbps.
About Aircell LLC
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 Louisville, 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.
