New Technology Makes Affordable, Internet Available To New
Categories Of Business Aircraft
Cessna is ready to offer Aircell's
new High Speed Internet system as a factory option aboard its
Citation XLS+, Citation Sovereign and Citation X business jets
(that's what you call high-flying company...).
"Companies operate business aircraft to get more done -- plain
and simple -- and nothing increases productivity more than having a
full-scale Internet connection available in flight," said Roger
Whyte, Senior Vice President of Sales & Marketing, Cessna
Aircraft Company. "The Aircell High Speed Internet system is a
game-changer because it's the first system that provides a true
high speed Internet experience like that to which passengers are
accustomed to on the ground, while being small and light enough to
fit comfortably into our midsize Citations. The system's high data
rates, relatively low acquisition cost and affordable monthly
service fees all combine to create an unmatched value proposition
for our customers," concluded Whyte.
Powered by the Aircell Network, the Aircell High Speed Internet
system allows passengers to use their own Wi-Fi enabled devices,
such as laptops, tablet PCs, smartphones and PDAs, to surf the Web,
send and receive e-mail with attachments, access their corporate
Virtual Private Networks (VPN) and much more -- all at full mobile
broadband speeds in flight.
The Aircell Network utilizes the latest 3G mobile wireless
technology, operating in the U.S. over an advanced network of
ground stations and Aircell's exclusive broadband air-to-ground
spectrum. The system is up to 56 times faster than a traditional
dial-up connection. The High Speed Internet unit for business
aviation (ATG 4000) weighs just 11 pounds, and the two
belly-mounted antennae weigh just 1.25 pounds each.
John Wade, Senior Vice President and General Manager, Aircell,
commented, "We're very pleased to continue our longstanding
relationship with Cessna. Before Aircell High Speed Internet, the
cost and weight of high-speed connectivity was prohibitive for most
Citation operators and we're pleased to bring a whole new dimension
of capabilities to those customers," he concluded.
The first Aircell High Speed Internet system installations from
the Cessna factory will be available for new Citation XLS+,
Sovereign, and Citation X aircraft to deliver in the second quarter
of 2010.
In addition to its popularity in the business aviation market,
the commercial airline version of the service -- Gogo(R) 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 Air Canada and United
Airlines.
Aircell notes that upgrades such as the Aircell High Speed
Internet system may be eligible for bonus tax depreciation under
the American Recovery and Reinvestment Act of 2009.
ANN's Daily Aero-Linx (04.16.24)
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