Now You Won't Have To Leave Your Facebook On The Ground

Aircell has announced 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 (pictured below) 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 3G mobile wireless technology, operating in the continental U.S. over a 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.

ANN reported last week that Cessna would offer Aircell technology as an option in some model Citations by next year.

The proprietary Aircell system provides a true high speed Internet connection that equals what passengers are accustomed to on the ground, while being able to fit on virtually any business aircraft. 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.

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.

The company notes 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.

FMI: www.aircell.com