Says Customers Want Wi-Fi, And They Want It Now

Banyan's avionics department recently completed a High Speed Data/WI-FI installation on a Boeing Business Jet (BBJ). The installation was done at the customer's home base during a minimum maintenance inspection.

The existing Honeywell MCS-6000 Satellite Communication system was retrofitted with a Honeywell HD-710 and augmented with the EMS CNX-200 Router. Voice and Data services were provided by industry leader Satcom Direct. The installation also included removing the legacy Magnastar telephone system and replacing it with the Iridium based ICS-200 with six wireless handsets from International Communications Group (ICG).

"High Speed Data/ WI-FI is what business travelers want, they have it in the workplace, in their homes, even in the local coffee shop, and so why not have it when on board their aircraft?" said Brian Wilson, Banyan's Director of Avionics. "The days of traveling on a corporate or commercial aircraft and arriving at your destination only to hurry to the hotel and hook your laptop to the DSL line are over, VIP clientele desire better and now that technology has arrived. Passengers can enjoy the same Blackberry experience and Internet surfing they enjoy every where else."

"I was very pleased with the professionalism and expertise provided by the Banyan Avionics team. The flexibility they offered by doing the installation in my hangar and working with our own interior shop, allowed me to co-ordinate other needed projects on the aircraft," said Jeff Klingenberg, Director of Maintenance on the BBJ. "Banyan provided comprehensive answers to my questions before and during the installation and even provided additional assistance with other interior projects to ensure our aircraft was delivered in a timely manner."

With fuel prices at an all time high and the US Dollar at an all time low, Wilson has also developed an avionics travel team that is available for remote work in the United States, South America and Europe. "The projects we have done in Europe saved the customer a substantial amount since payment was in US Dollars instead of the Euro," said Wilson.

Banyan's avionics department has dedicated hangar space, a structural team, and technicians available for comprehensive avionics installations, repairs, and modifications. Banyan is recognized for top regional sales for Rockwell Collins, has earned FAA Diamond Awards, and is an authorized dealer for all major avionics manufacturers. Banyan is certified as both an FAA and EASA repair station and has also earned repair station designations for Argentina, Brazil and Venezuela.

Banyan Air Service is located at Fort Lauderdale Executive Airport and also provides heavy maintenance, FBO and ground services, aircraft sales and management, and parts distribution.

FMI: www.banyanair.com