Aircell Ships First Global SwiftBroadband Solution

July 30, 2009
The first installation is being completed by 328 Support Services GmbH at its Oberpfaffenhofen facility near Munich, Germany.

BROOMFIELD, Colo., July 29 /PRNewswire/ -- Aircell, the world's leading provider of airborne communications, announces that its new SwiftBroadband solution has received full certification and that customer shipments have begun. The first installation is being completed by 328 Support Services GmbH at its Oberpfaffenhofen facility near Munich, Germany, aboard an executive Dornier 328JET operated by Aviando Services based in Venezuela.

Aircell's SwiftBroadband solution allows passengers to seamlessly use their personal laptops and Smartphones for e-mail and light Internet services in flight. They can also use the system's integrated cabin handsets to make and receive voice calls. Aircell's SwiftBroadband solution is powered by Thrane & Thrane.

"Executives want to remain productive by staying in touch while they fly and Aircell's new SwiftBroadband solution fulfills that need perfectly," said Dave Jackson, CEO of 328 Support Services. "Because it is so much faster, lighter and more affordable than previous generations of global technology, the system makes in-flight connectivity a reality for a whole new segment of business aircraft."

John Wade, Senior Vice President and General Manager, Aircell, said, "Our SwiftBroadband solution is an ideal fit for business aircraft operators with global connectivity needs. By enabling the use of laptops and smartphones for e-mail and light Internet, as well as voice service over cabin handsets, it provides a complete communications solution. SwiftBroadband is a brilliant new technology and a very important part of Aircell's comprehensive product family."

As part of this installation, the Aviando Services aircraft will be equipped with Aircell's SwiftBroadband solution as well as an Aircell Axxess((R)) cabin system.

Aircell's SwiftBroadband solution was recently selected by Jet Republic of Lisbon, Portugal, for its entire fleet of aircraft. Covering 110 systems, that order remains the largest SwiftBroadband system order ever placed.

Through its diverse line of airborne communications products, Aircell offers the industry's largest selection of network services spanning multiple technologies that include 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 ground wireless stations in the U.S.

About 328 Support Services GmbH

328 Support Services GmbH, a subsidiary of the UK's Quest Aviation Services Ltd., is the Type Certificate holder for the Dornier 328 Jet and Turboprop aircraft and is a registered Production, Customer Support, Engineering and third party Maintenance Organization with its headquarters at Oberphaffenhofen Airfield, near Munich, Germany. 328 Support Services provides unrivaled worldwide support to a fleet in excess of 200 aircraft. At its Oberpfaffenhofen Airport, Germany base, its 100-strong highly skilled workforce offer full maintenance and engineering work, customer support, spare parts and technical services together with aircraft modernization, retrofit and customization work. In addition to 328 Support's VIP conversion work and the manufacturing of Airbus VIP monuments and galleys, the company embraces a MRO Organization which is dedicated to Dornier 328 maintenance and refurbishment.

About Aircell

Aircell is the world's leading provider of airborne communications and a single-source, turnkey provider of equipment, service, and technical support. With a global sales and support presence, 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((R)) Network and its inflight portal, known as Gogo((R)), revolutionized the commercial airline passenger flight experience by delivering a robust Internet experience at 35,000 feet. The Aircell Network provides airlines with connectivity to operations and a path to enhanced cabin services such as video, audio, television and more. A similar feature set is available to Business aircraft operators. Aircell has facilities in Broomfield, Colorado, and Itasca, Illinois. Aircell's vision is to give everyone the ability to stay In Touch, In Flight((R)). For more information about Aircell, please visit www.aircell.com.

(C) 2009 Aircell. All rights reserved. Aircell, Gogo, Aircell Axxess, and In Touch, In Flight are registered trademarks of Aircell Business Aviation Services LLC or its affiliates. Third-party trademarks are the property of their respective owners.

SOURCE Aircell