Pictured, counter-clockwise from left: Brian Kirkdoffer, President and Clay Lacy, Founder & Chairman, Clay Lacy Aviation; John Wade, SVP & GM, Aircell; Jim Lauer, Avionics, Clay Lacy Aviation and Ed Hogan, Aircraft Owner and Clay Lacy Customer
Brian Kirkdoffer, President of Clay Lacy Aviation, said, “With the Aircell High Speed Internet system, Clay Lacy will deliver the most frequently-requested onboard service and become the first Part 135 charter operator in the world to do so. The system allows travelers to use personal laptops, PDAs and Smartphones to surf the web, send & receive e-mail with attachments, transfer large files, stream video, use a corporate VPN, and access other Internet-based services in flight. We recognize that business aircraft are an important tool for increasing productivity and full Internet connectivity is a crucial element of that. Everyone we’ve spoken to about this new system has reacted positively and we believe it is yet another example of Clay Lacy’s commitment to providing the highest level of safety, service and value to its owners and charter customers.”
Aviation legend Clay Lacy pioneered jet charter when he brought the first Learjet to the West coast over 40 years ago. Today, Clay Lacy Aviation operates one of the largest fleets of jet charter aircraft in the world, with over 20 different types of aircraft — including Gulfstreams, Challengers, Falcons, Hawkers, Embraers, Citations and Learjets.
Ed Hogan, a Clay Lacy customer and owner of the two Gulfstream 450s that will be first to receive the new system, stated, “This is the same fundamental service that has become so popular with commercial airlines and their passengers. Its reliability and functionality has been tested and proven by literally thousands of consumers. Being fully functional with a laptop and BlackBerry(®) turns the aircraft into a 500+ mph office. This service will significantly enhance productivity and should be extremely popular with owners and charter customers alike.”
John Wade, Senior Vice President and General Manager, Aircell, said, “Being in an airplane with limited or no connectivity is quickly becoming as frustrating as being in a hotel without those services. Clay Lacy Aviation’s program to make the Aircell High Speed Internet system available to passengers will set a new standard in the charter and aircraft management industry. We’re very proud to have our system selected by such a well-known and respected organization.”
As part of each installation, the aircraft will receive an Aircell Axxess(®) cabin system with an ATG 4000 High Speed Internet unit. This integrated, open architecture communications suite provides high speed Internet service via the Aircell(®) Network, as well as multiple channels of worldwide voice and narrowband data service via the Iridium satellite network.
The proprietary Aircell High Speed Internet 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 (the ATG 4000) weighs just 11 pounds and its two belly-mounted antennae weigh just 1.25 pounds each.
About Clay Lacy Aviation
Founded in 1968 by world renowned and record holding pilot Clay Lacy, Clay Lacy Aviation operates one of the largest fleets of managed and charter aircraft in the World, and is respected throughout the aviation and business world as the leader in executive jet charter and management services.
Clay Lacy Aviation operates FBOs in Los Angeles-VNY and Seattle-BFI offering charter, aircraft management, aircraft sales, a Class IV FAA Maintenance Repair Station (BKER301L), aircraft interior refurbishment and completions as well as aviation consulting services, with additional aircraft bases in Denver, Santa Monica, and West Palm Beach. Clay Lacy Aviation is also a leader in aerial cinematography utilizing its proprietary Astrovision technology to film over 3000 air-to-air photo flights including more than 150 film and television productions.
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(®) Network and its inflight portal, known as Gogo(®), 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(®). For more information about Aircell, please visit www.aircell.com.
FAA certification and first installation mark official debut of Aircell’s exclusive new system for business aviation; development program completed three months ahead of schedule
BROOMFIELD, Colo., June 18 – Aircell, the world’s leading 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,” said 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,” concluded Wade.
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 just 11 pounds and its two belly-mounted antennae weigh just 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.
High Speed Internet Equipment & Integration Information
The Aircell ATG 4000 High Speed Internet system is a modular add-on to the Aircell Axxess® cabin system. For connecting passenger devices in the cabin, customers can choose to install wired or Wi-Fi connections as part of their installation. The popularity of this new system has generated an order backlog and shipments are being fulfilled according to when orders were received – interested operators are encouraged to see their dealer or contact Aircell immediately.
Please note that aircraft upgrades like the Aircell High Speed Internet system may be eligible for bonus tax depreciation under the American Recovery and Reinvestment Act of 2009.
In addition to Aircell’s exclusive air-to-ground High Speed Internet system for the continental U.S., Aircell is offering its satellite-based SwiftBroadband product for global service, which will be available in July. Aircell’s SwiftBroadband product is powered by Thrane & Thrane.
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® Network and its inflight portal, known as Gogo®, 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®. For more information about Aircell, please visit www.aircell.com.
Airline will begin outfitting its fleet with in-flight Wi-Fi from Row 44 later this year
FORNEBU, Norway, April 27 – Norwegian Air Shuttle ASA, Europe’s fifth largest low-cost carrier, announced today that it is equipping its entire fleet with high-speed in-flight broadband. The airline will use a satellite-based broadband solution from Row 44.
Norwegian, winner of Air Transport World’s 2009 Market Leadership Award, will be the first European airline to equip its fleet with high-speed in-flight broadband. Norwegian will be able to offer passengers uninterrupted broadband services–Internet browsing, live international television, movies, music, mobile phones, texting, and e-commerce–to all of the airline’s 84 destinations across Europe. In addition to its current fleet, Norwegian has orders for nearly 50 new planes–all of which the airline will equip with Row 44′s broadband service.
“Norwegian has become one of the most successful carriers by relentlessly adding value to our passengers’ travel experience,” said Bjorn Kjos, CEO of Norwegian. Row 44′s system will help us add exciting new productivity and entertainment services to our flights–creating more satisfied and loyal passengers and crew, giving Norwegian a strong competitive advantage, and adding significantly to our bottom line.”
“Norwegian Air Shuttle is widely considered one of the most innovative, agile, and forward-thinking airlines in the world. They are an extremely strong organization led by disciplined, insightful professionals. Norwegian is known for creating and rapidly deploying new capabilities that delight their passengers,” said John Guidon, Row 44′s CEO. “Row 44 is honored that Norwegian has chosen our in-flight broadband to enhance their passenger and crew experience and create a powerful new profit center.”
Row 44 will begin installing its broadband system on Norwegian planes in the fourth quarter of 2009.
About Norwegian Air Shuttle ASA
Norwegian Air Shuttle ASA is a low-fare, point-to-point airline, registered on the Oslo Stock Exchange, employing approx. 1500 people. Norwegian operates a total of 175 routes to 83 destinations. In 2008 Norwegian Air Shuttle ASA transported 9.1 million passengers. The company’s headquarters are located at Fornebu, outside Oslo.
DALLAS, April 1 – [AEA International Convention & Trade Show] – Aircell, the world’s leading provider of airborne communications, announces the achievement of several key development milestones for the company’s high-speed Internet system for the business aviation market. Advance provisioning equipment is available now and full system shipments will begin this September.
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 at full mobile broadband speeds in flight. 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 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 High Speed Internet – Summary of Key Developments
- The high speed Internet equipment for business aviation – the Aircell ATG 4000 – is on schedule for delivery in September this year. A shipping backlog exists and shipments will be fulfilled according to when orders were received.
- 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 and Delta Air Lines. It is coming soon to Air Canada, Northwest and United Airlines with additional airlines to be announced soon.
- The Aircell onboard equipment and air-to-ground network have exceeded expectations for reliability, performance and ease-of-use in round-the-clock service in the airline market. Passengers continue to give the system rave reviews.
- Pre-production prototypes of the business aviation equipment package (including the Aircell ATG 4000 unit) have been up and operating live in Aircell’s development facility for several months.
- Qualification testing and the STC/PMA certification process for the ATG 4000 are well underway.
- Aircell is set to launch its alpha testing phase in the coming weeks, where an extensive protocol of flight & usability tests will be carried out aboard live aircraft.
- Development of provisioning kits – including the antenna system, connectors, wiring and mounting tray – is now complete and the kits are available to business aircraft operators. Installing a provisioning kit during scheduled downtime simplifies the installation once the ATG 4000 units become available in September.
John Wade, Senior Vice President and General Manager, Aircell, commented, “The Aircell High Speed Internet system is game-changing technology that will dramatically transform the business aviation travel experience. What better way to increase the productivity and utility of a business aircraft than by allowing passengers to do business en route – giving them full and effortless access to their corporate VPN, high speed Internet, e-mail with attachments and much more.” Wade continued, “We’re very pleased that our business aviation development program continues to achieve its milestones. The ATG 4000 will be a very mature product when it comes to market – one that will benefit from nearly two years of network service history and tens of thousands of hours in revenue service with commercial airlines,” concluded Wade.
Aircell Makes History on the CBS Early Show
The groundbreaking nature of Aircell’s new Inflight Internet services has attracted a whirlwind of interest from worldwide media outlets in recent months. Aircell was featured recently on The CBS Early Show, which was broadcast live over the Aircell Network aboard a Virgin America A319 aircraft flying over Boston. Representing a first for aviation and broadcast television, the Aircell Network flawlessly delivered live television to more than 4,000,000 viewers while traveling at 35,000 feet and 500 miles per hour that morning. Multiple broadcasts were featured, including live interviews with Sir Richard Branson and Aircell CEO Jack Blumenstein. Web-resolution copies of these historic video segments are available at the following hyperlink:
http://www.cbsnews.com/stories/2009/02/12/earlyshow/main4796004.shtml
Equipment & Integration Information
The Aircell ATG 4000 High Speed Internet system is a modular add-on to the Aircell Axxess® cabin system. For connecting passenger devices in the cabin, customers can choose to install wired or wireless (Wi-Fi) connections with their installation. The popularity of this new system is generating an order backlog – interested operators are encouraged to see their dealer or contact Aircell immediately. Please note that aircraft upgrades like the Aircell High Speed Internet system may be eligible for bonus tax depreciation under the American Recovery and Reinvestment Act of 2009.
In addition to Aircell’s exclusive air-to-ground high speed Internet system for the continental U.S., Aircell is offering its satellite-based SwiftBroadband product for global service, which will be available in July. Aircell’s SwiftBroadband product is powered by Thrane & Thrane.
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®, 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®. For more information about Aircell, please visit www.aircell.com.
Due to the economic downturn, as well as the advances in technology, new IFE revenue opportunities are available to airlines at a reduced cost. Challenging times tend to lead the way to innovative solutions and will ultimately benefit airlines and passengers alike. The next year or two should be very exciting!”
