American Airlines Selects AirCell to Launch In-Flight Wi-Fi Service Over U.S.
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American Airlines Becomes First Airline to Launch AirCell's High-Speed Broadband Internet Service on Aircraft Flying Over U.S.; Conquering the Last Frontier for Internet Access
ITASCA, Ill., Aug. 1 / Today, AirCell, the leading wireless data and voice communications provider in business aviation, announced it is teaming with American Airlines to test broadband services with passengers across the U.S. beginning in 2008. AirCell's new Broadband Internet service will allow business and leisure passengers to check e-mail, surf the Web, tap into an office network and stay current on the latest news, using their own Wi-Fi enabled laptops, PDAs, iPhones®, BlackBerrys® and portable gaming systems -- while in flight. Passenger testing will be conducted on American Airlines fleet of Boeing 767-200 aircraft that primarily fly transcontinental routes. As the first to launch in-flight broadband capabilities, American and AirCell are pioneering the last frontier of domestic Internet service.
This high-speed broadband Internet service is made possible by AirCell's unique air-to-ground network, which uses the latest technology to transmit and receive data between the ground and the aircraft. American Airlines customer testing will incorporate the following features and capabilities upon initial rollout:
o Nationwide in-flight broadband Internet service
o Coast-to-coast, border-to-border, U.S. coverage, extending from the Atlantic to the Pacific and the Canadian to the Mexican borders -- day
o Usable by passengers equipped with 802.11a/b/g Wi-Fi enabled devices
Real-time access to the Internet (using the passenger's own browser, bookmarks, etc.)
o An array of context and destination-related content
"We understand that broadband connectivity is important to our business customers and others who want to use their PDAs and laptops for real-time, in-flight broadband communications," said Dan Garton, Executive Vice President - Marketing for American Airlines. "This is part of our continuing effort to take the lead in enhancing the travel experience for our customers and meet their evolving needs."
"Travelers are already bringing their own Wi-Fi enabled devices onto planes," said Jack Blumenstein, AirCell CEO. "Bringing broadband access onto domestic flights at an everyday, affordable price provides travelers the opportunity to recapture time. Making productive use of the time in the air will give them time back on the ground with family or just relaxing."
"Airline customers across the U.S. list broadband access in flight as one of their top wishes," continued Blumenstein. "As the first airline to deploy broadband access, American is demonstrating its commitment to the business traveler and to its industry-leading position in technological innovation."
The cost of the service on American Airlines will be announced at the time of service roll-out. For information about AirCell and its broadband Internet service visit http://www.aircell.com/
About AirCell
AirCell® is the leader in global airborne telecommunications for the Business Aviation market. Its products are offered by virtually every fixed- and rotor-wing airframe manufacturer in business aviation, and are installed aboard the world's four largest fractional ownership fleets. A single-source, turnkey provider of equipment, service, and technical support, AirCell simplifies airborne communications and keeps you In Touch, In Flight®.
The 2006 winner of the FCC's exclusive broadband frequency license, AirCell is also pioneering a revolutionary new wireless broadband system for North America. Available only from AirCell, it will include robust Wi-Fi hotspots that enable airline passengers to surf the Internet, use e-mail, and log on to their corporate VPN's using their personal 802.11a/b/g-equipped Wi-Fi data devices. The system will also offer airline operational communications capabilities and provide a path to a wealth of future cabin services.
Set for introduction in 2008, the new broadband service will also be available to business aircraft operators, offering a similar set of features. Customers that currently have an AirCell Axxess(TM) communications system aboard their aircraft can easily add the new AirCell broadband link by installing the appropriate radio and a small, air-to-ground antenna. AirCell (http://www.aircell.com/) has facilities in Louisville, Colorado, and Itasca, Illinois, USA.
About American Airlines:
American Airlines is the world's largest airline. American, American Eagle and the American Connection® airlines serve 250 cities in over 40 countries with more than 4,000 daily flights. The combined network fleet numbers more than 1,000 aircraft. American's award-winning Web site, AA.com, provides users with easy access to check and book fares, plus personalized news, information and travel offers. American Airlines is a founding member of the oneworld® Alliance, which brings together some of the best and biggest names in the airline business, enabling them to offer their customers more services and benefits than any airline can provide on its own. Together, its members serve nearly 700 destinations in over 140 countries and territories. American Airlines, Inc. and American Eagle Airlines, Inc. are subsidiaries of AMR Corporation.
Source: AirCell
CONTACT: Kim Hamelburg of RF|Binder Partners, +1-781-559-0429, kim.hamelburg@rfbinder.com, for AirCell
Web site: http://www.aircell.com/
http://www.aa.com/
