Appointment Comes As Aircell Experiences Rapid Growth In Business Aviation Market

John Wade has been promoted to  Executive Vice President and General Manager, Business Aviation Services at Aircell, the company announced Thursday.

As a member of Aircell’s executive staff, Mr. Wade is responsible for overseeing the success and direction of the company’s rapidly growing Business Aviation Services division in Broomfield, CO. He reports to Michael Small, Aircell’s President and CEO.

Since Mr. Wade (pictured) joined Aircell in November 2008, the company has launched two significant new inflight connectivity products in the business aviation market. The Aircell High Speed Internet system provides full-speed Internet service via the Aircell Network in the continental U.S., and Aircell’s SwiftBroadband solution provides global voice and data connectivity for light Internet service via the Inmarsat I-4 satellites.

“Aircell is a longstanding provider of airborne communications equipment, service and support to the business aviation market,” said Aircell CEO Michael Small. “Our momentum in business aviation is higher than it’s ever been. We began shipping the Aircell High Speed Internet system in the middle of last year and have already delivered more than 200 systems, with a backlog extending well beyond that. Systems are performing beyond  expectation and the feedback we’ve had from the market has been extremely positive. Business aviation is a key part of Aircell’s future and we’re pleased to recognize that by having John assume the executive vice president role,” he concluded.

Mr. Wade has more than 22 years of experience in avionics and inflight communications. Prior to joining Aircell, he served as Chief Technical Officer and General Manager at inflight mobile phone and Internet provider OnAir. He has also held senior executive positions at Tenzing Communications, PRIMEX Aerospace Company and GEC Marconi In-Flight Systems, among others. He is the co-author of two patents.

FMI: www.aircell.com