ITASCA, Ill., April 2, 2008 /PRNewswire/ -- Following the company's historic coast-to-coast flight last week with fully operational Internet and email connectivity over its national network, Aircell® announced today that it received two critical FAA approvals. These FAA approvals bring inflight mobile broadband connectivity one step closer to the flying public, who have consistently requested this service.
Aircell is now the first and only communications operator to receive approvals from the FAA to provide air-to-ground (ATG) inflight mobile broadband for U.S. domestic flights. The two FAA approvals received include a Supplemental Type Certificate (STC), permitting installation and operation of the company's ATG network on commercially operated Boeing 767-200 aircraft.
The second FAA approval is a Parts Manufacture Approval (PMA). This approval authorizes the manufacture of aircraft parts at the company's Bensenville, IL facility. With its manufacturing facility fully operational and approved by the FAA, Aircell is producing the equipment needed to bring its inflight Internet service to American Airlines® and Virgin America® in 2008. Enough manufacturing capacity is in place to accommodate rapid service introduction to all future partners as well.
"Having received these critical approvals from the FAA, we now have the ability to rapidly expand to the rest of American's 767-200 fleet," said Joe Cruz, SVP and CTO of Aircell. "Initially we will provide passengers flying between Los Angeles, San Francisco, New York and Miami inflight Internet, which research indicates passengers want and need," continued Cruz. "Working collaboratively with the FAA to receive the initial STC helps pave the way for future certifications on additional aircraft used by our airline partners."
"Many critical milestones were announced today and last week," said Cruz. "Collectively, with the network milestones and legal approvals, we confirmed Aircell's Broadband System is here now, it's proven, it is cost effective and it can work for all U.S.-based airlines."
About Aircell
Aircell LLC is the world's leading provider of airborne communications. 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™, will revolutionize the commercial airline passenger flight experience, delivering a robust Internet experience at 35,000 feet. The Aircell Network will also provide airlines with connectivity to operations and a path to enhanced cabin services such as video, audio, television, cellular voice, cellular data and more. Business aircraft operators will soon be offered a similar feature set. Aircell has facilities in Louisville, 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 http://www.aircell.com/.
About Gogo
Gogo Inflight Internet turns a commercial airplane into a Wi-Fi hotspot, enabling passengers to surf the Web, check any e-mail, log on to their corporate VPN and more. Plus, each paid Internet session includes access to The Wall Street Journal® Online. Gogo, powered by Aircell, will be available on American Airlines and Virgin America in 2008. For more information about Gogo, please visit http://www.gogoinflight.com/.
Aircell, Gogo and in touch, in flight are registered trademarks of Aircell LLC. All other trademarks are the property of their respective owners.
SOURCE: Aircell LLC
CONTACT: Aircell Corporate Communications, +1-781-455-8250,
aircell@rfbinder.com
Web site: http://www.aircell.com/
http://www.gogoinflight.com/