Former President of Travelport Americas Division and US Airways’ VP of Sales, Marketing and Distribution Will Serve as Row 44′s Chief Sales and Airline Business Development Officer

WESTLAKE VILLAGE, Calif., May 31, 2011 /PRNewswire/ – Row 44, Inc., provider of the world’s leading in-flight broadband entertainment platform, announced today that airline and travel-industry executive Travis Christ has joined the company as Chief Sales and Airline Business Development Officer.

Christ joins Row 44 from Travelport, the multibillion-dollar global distribution system firm that provides transaction-processing and business-intelligence solutions to airlines, travel agencies and other travel service providers in 160 countries. Christ served as Travelport’s Americas division president, where he led and grew the company’s global distribution system business throughout the United States, Canada, and Central and South America.

Prior to his role at Travelport, Christ served as Vice President of Marketing, Sales and Distribution for US Airways – where he was responsible for business development, corporate and agency sales, multi-channel product distribution, marketing, the usairways.com website, and President of US Airways Vacations.

Throughout his 13-year tenure with US Airways (including 10 years at America West, which US Airways acquired in 2005), Christ held key roles across many facets of the airline, including consumer marketing and loyalty, sales analysis, capacity planning, and profitability optimization.

“Travis’s broad set of skills and worldwide travel-industry relationships bring a valuable new component to Row 44′s global sales and airline business development,” said CEO John Guidon. “We are thrilled to have such a talented and respected industry leader join our team.”
“Very few executives in the travel industry have the combination of industry knowledge, strategic mindset, understanding of the customer and deep set of key relationships that Travis brings to Row 44,” said Howard Lefkowitz, Row 44′s Chief Commercial Officer. “I have had a working relationship with Travis for a decade, and I cannot imagine a more valuable strategic addition to Row 44′s executive team.”
Christ will be responsible for all of Row 44′s sales and airline business development globally

Westlake Village, CA (September 8, 2010)—In-flight broadband provider Row 44 announced today the company closed its Series B funding round, raising $37 million in new equity investment.

“This investment gives Row 44 the operating capital to continue executing on our North American launch with the Southwest Airlines fleet and our aggressive network build-out, enabling us to support airline customers across the globe,” said CEO John Guidon. “In this difficult funding environment, Row 44 is pleased our current and new investors recognize both Row 44’s commitment to efficient use of capital as well as the tremendous opportunity our in-flight broadband system represents for airlines – and their shareholders – around the world.”

Row 44’s latest funding includes participation by two new institutional investors along with PAR Capital Management, who previously led Row 44’s $21 million Series A investment round. Additional investment came from Larry Kellner, president of Emerald Creek Group; Mr. Kellner was previously the chairman and CEO of Continental Airlines.

Thousand Oaks, CA (March 23, 2010) – TECOM Industries, Inc. today announced that its customer, Row 44 (Westlake Village, CA), a provider of airborne broadband connectivity, will install TECOM Industries’ KuStream™ 1000 antenna system on Southwest Airlines’ commercial fleet. In January 2010, Southwest Airlines announced plans to equip more than 500 aircraft with Row 44’s In-flight Broadband Connectivity System.

The KuStream 1000 antenna system enables the Row 44 In-flight Broadband Connectivity System to provide passengers with live entertainment and communication, including high data rate applications such as full Internet access, VoIP services, cell phone roaming (via pico-cells in markets with appropriate regulation) and live television using IPTV. The KuStream 1000 is a joint development effort of TECOM Industries and QEST Quantenelektronische Systeme GmbH of Germany. QEST contributed core RF components such as the antenna aperture and the polarization control module, with TECOM contributing systems engineering, antenna positioning and control subsystems, product qualification, certification and after-sale support.

Arsen Melconian, President of TECOM, said: “This selection by Row 44 validates our technical approach and is an acknowledgement of the hard work accomplished by the development team, our partner QEST, and all the major vendors. I am extremely pleased about this installation and this is a major event for TECOM.”

“After careful evaluation, Row 44 selected the TECOM KuStream antenna system,” said John Guidon, CEO of Row 44. “We are pleased to have them as our supplier for the Southwest Airlines program.”

The KuStream 1000 has received FCC licensing for airborne transmit and receive. TECOM has completed the requirements for environmental qualification of the KuStream 1000 and has applied for FAA Parts Manufacture Approval.

Westlake Village, CA (March 9, 2010)—Row 44, Inc., the leading provider of satellite-based in-flight Wi-Fi, announced today that Larry Kellner, former Chairman and CEO of Continental Airlines, has joined the company’s Board of Directors.

“It would be difficult to find a more respected, trusted and knowledgeable executive in the airline industry than Larry Kellner,” said John Guidon, Row 44’s CEO. “We are delighted to welcome him to our Board.”

During Kellner’s 15-year tenure at Continental he was first CFO, then President and ultimately CEO for his final five years at the airline. Kellner also sits on the board of Marriott International.

“Row 44’s broadband solution is the most robust and forward-looking of its kind I’ve seen,” Kellner said. “My experience tells me this company is on its way to becoming a major global provider of in-flight broadband, and I’m excited about being a part of that success.”

Our lead story is a reminder to all you IFE aficionados to sign-up for the WAEA Technical Committee Meeting & Single Focus Workshop (March 24 – 25, 2010) in Southern California. Day One features the WAEA Technology Committee’s Digital Content Management Working Group (DCMWG) Meeting, there will be three panels. The first will consider the proposed changes/additions made in the MPEG-4 settings covered by WAEA 0403. A panel of industry experts including hardware providers, content providers, and representatives from the post-production community will participate. The second panel will consider the possibility of adding an HD specification to WAEA 0403. A demonstration of 1080p content on 1080p native screens, versus 720p content on 720p natives screens, at different screen sizes is planned. The third panel will consider the possibility of adding a 3D specification to 0403 or as a separate document. Representatives of MPEG Industry Forum (MPEGIF) with whom WAEA has a reciprocal relationship are expected to attend and participate in the 3D discussion. Day Two is a WAEA Single-Focus Workshop (re “Connectivity Update”) sponsored in part by EMS. There is a minimal fee of $75 for vendors to attend Day 2. WAEA TC & Single Focus Workshop Information.

Perhaps the biggest news this week is from Alaska Airlines…trialed Row 44 Internet hardware on 4 aircraft and then went with AirCell’s Gogo service. Equipment/installation cost may be part of the equation but we suspect Alaska’s new management may be in there somewhere. We contacted Row 44 and CEO John Guidon told IFExpress: “We are disappointed we could not work out a mutually agreeable business relationship. But based on information we learned during their successful passenger trial, we know passengers were extremely satisfied with our service, including coverage into Canada and the far reaches of the airline’s namesake State.”– Row 44 CEO John Guidon. Check out this story in the Seattle Times for additional info and see the Aircell press release in this issue of IFExpress.

OK, we stole this from the Aircraft Interiors crowd but so did they! Actually, it is a good story on Asian Aviation…plus, you can find out what this years’ AIX show in Hamburg is all about! On the AIX website here’s what Murdo Morrison’s (Editor Flight Int’l) says about Asian Aviation: “Emerging more confidently from the global recession than other regions, the Asian aviation market is forging ahead and appears to have coped better than expected with the recent economic down turn. Could this herald a trend for airlines operating in the Asian arena to be at the forefront of the latest look in interiors as operators gear up to meet the growing demand? Seen for many years by some experts, as the great hope for the civil aircraft and aerospace industry it does seem that the Asian aviation market is starting to fulfill these predictions. Statistics at the start of 2010 show Asian aviation’s freight and passenger growth to be looking quite healthy.” With 98% of the stands sold to date, you had better hurry if you want to own your exclusive display. Here is a link to the AIX floor plan. as well as a link to Murdo Morrison’s video on Asian Aviation.

An aviation reprobate and an old friend, Robert (Bob) Bogash, sent us a link to his website outlining his experiences with, and knowledge of the lore of, the U-2 spy plane. We know, it has absolutely nothing to do with in-flight entertainment but it is really interesting! If you have an interest in aviation technology and want to learn some Skunk-Works stuff and see incredible aviation history photography – this link is for you!

Water Cooler Rumor One: An aircraft display vendor is about to roll out an amazing 65”, aviation grade (DO-160), Large Screen Monitor!

Water Cooler Rumor Two: A new Alaska digEcor Contract was signed at the end of 2009 with XT players shipped to Alaska. IFExpress has the scoop on a new agreement for about 1,000 more players for Alaska that will handle shopping, advertising, etc. just like the new Hawaiian contract. We also hear the first of the L7 “Lafeel built players” will be shipped at the end of March to a customer in Europe. This is the early model that was exhibited at the WAEA in Palm Springs. It will exceed the battery life of even the XLP – it’s battery life will now be 20 plus hours. We expect the new device to sport solid-state memory soon with chips instead of a hard drive and it could reach 25 hours of battery life. Stay Tuned on this one.

Westlake Village, CA (September 16, 2009)—Row 44 Inc., a provider of satellite-based in-flight Wi-Fi for commercial aircraft, has been named a runner-up (along with NASA) in the wireless category of the 2009 Wall Street Journal Technology Innovation Awards.

The Journal noted that they received nearly 500 nominations for the award’s various technology-innovation categories, and the judges selected only about 7% for awards.

“We’re honored to have our in-flight connectivity solution recognized as one of the year’s best innovations by one of the world’s leading business publications,” said Row 44 co-founder and president Gregg Fialcowitz.

The full list of winners is available on the Journal’s website at http://s.wsj.net/public/resources/documents/Innovation-Awards-Winners.pdf.

Southwest Airlines announced in August that it plans to outfit its entire fleet of more than 540 planes with Row 44’s in-flight broadband service. That fleet-wide installation is slated to begin in the first quarter of 2010.

About Row 44
Founded in 2004, Row 44, Inc. is the world’s leading broadband Mobile Service Provider to commercial aviation. The company’s Wi-Fi hotspots in the sky offer the fastest broadband speeds to the plane. Row 44’s broadband solution is supported by the global infrastructure of Hughes, which has shipped more than 1.9 million broadband satellite terminals to customers in over 100 countries.

Westlake Village, CA (August 6, 2009)—Row 44 Inc., a provider of satellite-based in-flight Wi-Fi for commercial aircraft, received a permanent operating license from the U.S. Federal Communications Commission (FCC).

This license, along with the license already granted to Row 44 in Canada and right to operate agreement in Mexico, allows the company to provide uninterrupted airborne Internet service throughout the North American continent. Already holding dozens of licenses for operations throughout the world, Row 44 is well on its way to providing global coverage for in-flight broadband.

“Today’s announcement of the FCC’s ruling signals a major victory for Row 44 and our airline customers in our vision of bringing affordable broadband to the skies,” said John Guidon, CEO. “Ours is the first solution offering true broadband to airline passengers, both domestically and overseas, delivering an experience comparable to the high Internet speeds they enjoy at home and work. No longer will an airline be forced to accept an unattractive compromise between the performance it can offer and the service price it must charge. Achieving this critical regulatory milestone took us longer than we’d anticipated, but we believe our North American airline partners and their passengers will find this in-flight service well worth the wait.”

While North American regulators do not currently permit in-flight mobile phone calls or SMS text messaging, the Row 44 system will support these services. The company intends to offer these services to their airline customers throughout the world, wherever such activities are permitted and requested by airlines.

About Row 44
Founded in 2004, Row 44 Inc. is the world’s leading broadband Mobile Service Provider to commercial aviation. The company’s Wi-Fi hotspots in the sky offer the fastest broadband speeds to the plane. Row 44’s broadband solution is supported by the global infrastructure of Hughes, which has shipped more than 1.9 million broadband satellite terminals to customers in over 100 countries.

About Hughes
Hughes Network Systems, LLC (HUGHES) is the global leader in providing broadband satellite networks and services for large enterprises, governments, small businesses, and consumers. HughesNet® encompasses all broadband solutions and managed services from Hughes, bridging the best of satellite and terrestrial technologies. Its broadband satellite products are based on global standards approved by the TIA, ETSI and ITU standards organizations, including IPoS/DVB-S2, RSM-A, and GMR-1. To date, Hughes has shipped more than 1.9 million systems to customers in over 100 countries.

Headquartered outside Washington, D.C., in Germantown, Maryland, USA, Hughes
maintains sales and support offices worldwide. Hughes is a wholly owned subsidiary of Hughes Communications, Inc. (NASDAQ: HUGH). For additional information, please visit www.hughes.com.

We asked an IFExpress field reporter to check out the newly installed Row44 Broadband installation and performance on Alaska Airlines during a recent trip. He sent along this report:

“I boarded Alaska Flight 664 from SEA to DFW, a 3-3.5 hour flight. The tail number of our aircraft was #644. Let me also note that the flight outlasted my laptop battery and that there was no inseat power… a situation that may inhibit some users facing high price points. In my case, Alaska offered the service at a very respectable $5 (introductory fee) and this probably increased the passenger uptake.

1. The aircraft was equipped with 16 First Class seats and I observed 10 or so users during the flight in my service class. I would note that I became so wrapped up in work, sending and receiving emails, and web surfing that I completely forgot to check out the coach usage but I am sure it was at least as busy with Internet usage.

2. Once at cruise, logon was relatively easy. I should note that the service was branded as Alaska Airlines (not surprisingly) they took AMEX, MC, Visa via the onscreen prompts. Logon was straight forward after payment, however some users had issues selecting the aircraft LAN but that is relatively straightforward with Windows or Mac OS. I found the Wi-Fi signals to be strong and without speed variations. Really strong! I was getting a consistent 54Mbps during my battery’s life.

3. Passengers using the system all seemed to like and appreciate the availability of onboard Internet and many were watching video applications like YouTube. Many asked if other flights were so equipped and the crew noted the test status of the system. I am sure a good report was sent to headquarters because I talked to no dissatisfied users on my flight.

4. In talking with the crew, they estimated a 30% to 35% usage factor as a pretty good representation and this is very high! While slower connectivity systems are thrilled with 5%, the draw of the Internet is very powerful. If one considers Smartphone PED’s, the number could be very high, especially in coach where seat/lap space is at a premium.

5. I also took the onscreen survey which asked the obvious questions such as pricing recommendations, ease-of-access, ease-of-use, etc. My seat mate said he thought the price schedule should reflect the sector length and that he’d pay $10 for the 3-1/2 hour flight to DFW but a hop to SFO or OAK should be no more than $5. I wondered if Alaska’s SOC could link aircraft routing data to the system control unit to price the service by miles.

6. From my single flight experience I would say that laptop usage topped Smartphone and iPhone (Also a Smartphone but in a class by itself.) usage by a factor of 2X to 3X. As more of these devices enter the market, I would expect to see the numbers level out. However, the new Netbooks may offset the phone gains. Time will tell, but the issue here is the incredible onboard usage – do the math! This is going to be a moneymaker if the airlines get their rates to approximately $10 as they say they are heading.

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.