Inflight Connectivity Gains Popularity in European Business Aviation Market

GENEVA, May 17, 2011 /PRNewswire/ -- EBACE 2011 -- As EBACE 2011 opens this week, Aircell, the world's leading provider of inflight connectivity, reports the demand for inflight connectivity services has risen noticeably in recent months in the European business aviation market.

A number of things are seen as contributing to the boost in activity, including increased market understanding and awareness, the advent of a new generation of connectivity products and services, and a recovering world economy.

Operating facilities worldwide, including 10 in Europe, Jet Aviation is one of Aircell's authorized aftermarket dealers. "Interest for inflight connectivity is definitely on the rise – we're fielding more inquiries, giving more proposals, and performing more installations," said Florent Feltrin, Regional Sales Director South-Western Europe at Jet Aviation MRO EMEA.

Jean-Luc Rosenfeld, Aircell's European Sales Manager, said, "In many cases, we're finding that operators simply aren't aware of what the industry's newest generation of equipment and service packages have done to increase capabilities and decrease cost. A prime example is the new Aviator 200 system, which provides global email, light Internet & voice service from an equipment package costing around $60,000. Since the system uses a small, low-gain antenna, it also eases certification requirements and reduces installation complexity, making it very well received in Europe," concluded Rosenfeld.

Related updates on Aircell's inflight connectivity products & services in Europe:

• Very popular in the OEM market, Aircell's Aviator 300, powered by Thrane & Thrane, has now been selected for 12 factory airframe programs, including those at Bombardier Aerospace, Cessna Aircraft Company, Hawker Beechcraft Corporation and Gulfstream Aerospace.
• Aftermarket certifications for Aviator-series products have recently been achieved on the King Air 200, Citation CJ1 and Bombardier Challenger series. Additional certification programs are currently underway for the Falcon 2000EX, Falcon 2000LX, Embraer Legacy, Beechcraft King Air 350, Cessna Citation XLS, Gulfstream IV, and DC-8 aircraft.
• Demand for Iridium-based inflight capabilities also continues to be strong in Europe. With small, light and affordable equipment, Iridium is still an unmatched value for global voice and narrowband data services.
• Aircell introduced the Aircell Smartphone in April and it has received an enthusiastic response in Europe. With first shipments in the coming months, it will allow passengers to place and receive voice calls as easily and conveniently as they do on the ground. In addition, its flexible Android OS platform sets the stage for a nearly unlimited set or rich-media features and functions in the future.

Aircell is displaying its entire inflight connectivity range at EBACE 2011 in Geneva this week, stand #1735. There will be a significant number of aircraft on static that have one or more Aircell connectivity systems aboard, allowing attendees to see them up close. Aircell will also be tweeting from the show – follow @AircellBizav by visiting www.twitter.com/aircellbizav.

For more information about Aircell connectivity solutions in the European market, operators are invited to contact Jean-Luc Rosenfeld, Aircell European Sales Manager, at [email protected] or +41.32.841.2838.

About Aircell

Aircell is the world's leading provider of inflight connectivity 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.

© 2011 Aircell. All rights reserved. Aircell, Gogo and Gogo Biz, and In Touch, In Flight are trademarks of Aircell Business Aviation Services LLC or its affiliates. Third-party trademarks are the property of their respective owners.

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SOURCE Aircell