Company Is Fielding Two Equipment Packages To Meet Cockpit Data Link Mandates

Aircell, the business aviation group of Gogo, has unveiled two new solutions designed to help business aircraft operators comply with the global aviation industry's forthcoming FANS (Future Air Navigation System) mandates.

Because Aircell's FANS solutions operate over Iridium satellite technology, they are significantly less expensive to install than traditional satellite-based equipment packages. "FANS is one of the hottest topics in the business aviation industry right now," said John Wade, Aircell's Executive Vice President and General Manager. "Aircell is pleased to offer cost-effective and lightweight solutions to help aircraft operators comply with the forthcoming cockpit data link mandates."

FANS capabilities are becoming mandatory for aircraft on the most desirable and frequently-used oceanic routes between North America and Europe. FANS technologies allow flight crews and air traffic controllers to exchange safety-sensitive flight information via digital data link – such as clearances and requests to climb or descend. They also enable automated position reporting via the aircraft's Flight Management System. FANS can enable aircraft to obtain preferential altitudes and routing which improves efficiency, reduces fuel consumption and saves time.

Aircell is offering two systems that meet all eligibility requirements for inclusion as part of a comprehensive, certified FANS solution.

The Aircell Axxess System, first introduced in 2005, is a very prolific system in the business aviation market – currently flying on thousands of aircraft and offered as standard or optional equipment by most major business aircraft manufacturers. Paired with Aircell's Data Interface Unit (DIU), the Aircell Axxess FANS solution will be available to existing Aircell Axxess customers as a field retrofit through a special upgrade/exchange program. It will also be available for new installations. System upgrades and shipments are expected to begin in June 2014.

ST 4300 System, announced in March of this year, is Aircell's most advanced Iridium-based communications solution. The system's optional FANS capabilities can be specified during initial system purchase and installation, or by purchasing the respective dealer-installed software keys for an existing system in the field. First shipments of the ST 4300 system are expected in June 2014 and the system's FANS capabilities are expected to be available starting in Q4 2014.

FMI: www.aircell.com